Women Xplore

Budgeting Tips for Women

2012-01-30T09:48:00.002+08:00

Image by JodiWomack via Flickr

It's official, ladies -- the world has fed us all a line of excrement. Let's forget the trite sayings like "You go, girl!" and constant references to shoes and lattes. It's time to focus on what makes a budget actually work. You know there's more to making your money work for you than putting together some fancy spreadsheet, and doing well financially is a lot more than just "saying no" to anything that feels good. Let's talk about some practical ways you can make the same dollars go farther every week, every month and every year.

Spend a Minute Thinking about What You Really Want

Far too many women have heard the advice of "find your passion" restated a million times and in a million different ways, but what does that really mean? Passion is wonderful, but personal fulfillment is usually a lot easier than you make it out to be. Now, spending hours journaling and blogging about things you'd love to do "if only" is great, but it can get a lot easier than that.

Think about what you do on a daily basis. Now filter out sleeping, eating and doing things you have no choice but to do. If anything's left, there's a good chance that's your passion. Maybe it's working in the garden, or maybe you've got a novel or two hiding in the back of your mind. This relates to your budget because your time and your money are limited things, and you should only put them into things you absolutely need or things that will take you closer to your personal nirvana.

This line of personal discovery really does just take a minute.

Don't Let Pride Run Your Life

Some people think that debt is always evil. While it isn't wise to dig yourself into a hole so deep that you can't see daylight anymore, no one's suggesting that payday advance lenders don't have a time and place. They do, and that time is when your back is to the wall and you've got kids to feed. Let them see that no matter how bad the situation gets, you can swallow your pride and do what has to be done. Living on constant loans isn't wise, but sometimes they can be real lifesavers. Once you're back on level ground, you can budget your savings a bit more carefully so the next problem doesn't knock you for a loop.

Vintage Themed Wedding

2012-01-24T14:08:00.003+08:00

Do you know how to download youtube video as we really need to save this video on a USB drive to show to our relatives:

This is a very nice gift given by the family of the groom to the couple and so we thought of doing the same surprise for our cousin, who will be getting married this coming March 10.

We are planning to setup one Sunday where all our relatives will be at our house for the shoot and we will present this video during the reception as our surprise for the couple.

There are still a lot of things to be done for the wedding and one of it actually is to look for the dress that I will be wearing. LOL. I am not part of the entourage but Jacobo and B is, so I am sure I will have to walk down the aisle with Jacobo as he might be scared to walk on his own so I have to wear something really nice.

The theme of the wedding is vintage and so I am looking at the following styles for my dress for the wedding:

Officially on a Diet

2012-01-24T13:49:00.002+08:00

I had enough!! During the holiday seasons, I met up with my relatives and friends and all of them, whom I haven’t seen for a long time, thought that I am pregnant. Having a baby is a blessing, I know, but I don’t think it is nice to hear people say that you are pregnant when you are not. LOL.

I am not offended as I admit that I really look pregnant with my very big tummy but it gave me a realization that it is time for me to take actions and shape up.

My first step, I will go on a diet by using the Calorie Counting method recommended by my friend Jody. They have been using this method to loose weight and it really worked for her and her husband and so I thought I should give it a try.

This diet plan is really simple as there are no food restrictions. I can eat anything that I like, including chocolates, ice cream or even foods rich in carbohydrates as long as I maintain my maximum calorie intake for the day.

I installed My Fitness Pal Calorie Counter application on my iPhone and I edited my profile by entering my height, weight and ideal weight goal and it will calculate my Daily Calorie goal that I have to maintain to loose at least 2 pounds per two weeks. I just entered in this app my food intake for every meal so I can calculate if I am already over my allowed calorie intake.

Today is my 1st week and I loose 1 pound. Not bad. Hope I can maintain this as I really want to loose those bulges and of course, live a healthy lifestyle too.

Our Induro Tripod

2012-01-23T01:08:00.001+08:00

My husband started his love for digital photography seven years ago when he bought his first SLR camera a few days after our eldest was born. He wanted to capture every special things for our first born child and so he would like to have the best camera on hand to make sure that he will not miss any important event in our child’s life.

He was really good actually that he decided to turn this hobby of his into a sideline and he started to accept photo coverage of birthdays, weddings, and corporate events which is a good way to earn extra money.

After seeing all his pictures, I know that he has an eye for photography and he has great talent. I especially enjoy it every time we travel and go on vacation as I can always expect hundreds of beautiful pictures after each vacation.

When we went to Hong Kong Disneyland, hubby bought a cheap tripod from one of the gadget stores in Hong Kong but we were disappointed at how flimsy the tripod is, especially after comparing it with the Induro tripod that my friend uses.

That is why before going to our first dream vacation in Europe, I researched and read about tripod reviews as we wanted to buy a quality tripod that we can bring with us for this trip as it is just me and hubby who is going so we will just rely on a tripod for our pictures. I got really convince after reading the reviews that we won’t go wrong with Induro tripod and so that is what we got and what we brought in our Europe vacation.

Our Induro tripod has been with us in all our other travels abroad and it never fail to disappoint us. Hubby came to realize that it is not just enough to have good camera, tripod is also an important accessory that will even enhance the quality of pictures taken by a good SLR camera.

7th Birthday Party Planning

2012-01-21T03:11:00.000+08:00

I know it is still a few months from now but I already started preparing the budget sheet for my daughter’s 7th birthday party. Since my husband and I have a big group of friends plus Bela’s classmates, we are expecting close to 300 guests for this party.

We only have a limited budget for the party that is why I am already doing some analysis and chart comparisons on how I can save on some of the items for the party.

One of the things that I am looking is doing the table centerpiece ourselves. My sister in law’s brother is very good in doing those kinds of stuff with styro, Water Soluble Solder Paste, glue and the like and he already committed that he will take care of it so that is one big savings for me already. As what we always do, hubby takes care of the layout and printing of invitation too which is another big savings for us.

For the caterer, we might stick with the one who regularly caters to our party because their packages are so affordable without sacrificing the taste of the food.

My daughter and I are really excited for this event. We have a lot of ideas in our head and I can’t wait to see all of them executed.

Sending my Kids to Adirondack Camp for the Summer

2012-01-19T06:23:00.002+08:00

When I was kid, my parents would take me to Camp every summer where we can do all sort of things like fishing, camping around the bonfire as we sing different songs, hiking, swimming, relays and games and more. I thought that camping is for the sports minded and nature lover only but I was wrong as I really had a good time. It is one of the activities that my siblings and I anticipate before going back to school.

Camping is one of the things that has brought good childhood memories to me and my siblings and so now that I have kids of my own, I want them to have the same experience and so I am planning to send them to Camp Chateaugay in the Adirondack Camp this coming summer.

The journey itself in going to Adirondack Camp is a journey to remember already and when they reach the camp, campers will be greeted with a lot of different activities that each camper will surely enjoy. Camp Chateaugay offers different programs like their Teen Program, CIT program, program for first time campers and more, which is tailored for each group to guarantee that they will have fun and learn something while in the camp.

I learn a lot from camping, I have brought with me a lot of good memories and met a lot of my lifelong friends too and I wish the same things for my children.

Steve Jobs

2012-01-17T22:20:00.001+08:00

My current read: Steve Jobs (Autobiography written by the famous writer Walter Isaacson).

This book is so addicting that I can’t seem to put it down. I read it before I go to bed, on my way to work and home, while I am breastfeeding Jacobo, or just about anytime I have a free time and I have my hands on my iPhone. (This makes me think that I have to find a site where to buy batteries to extend the life of my phone).

The book is really interesting as it is really a no holds barred account of Steve Jobs life. Steve didn’t even read the book before it got published as he wants Walter to have total control of what is written in the book. What makes it really interesting is the colorful life of Steve, from being given up by his parents, to being adopted, to starting his computer shop in his parents garage, his other business venture like NeXT and Pixar, his rudeness and mercurial personality, and a whole lot more.

I am already in the chapter where Walter talks about Steve’s love life and I am excited to what else I will discover about Steve through this book.

My iPhone 4S Journey

2012-01-17T22:09:00.002+08:00

After the stress that I got from GLOBE SM MANILA branch, finally, I was able to get my iPhone 4S.

Of course I got it not from GLOBE SM MANILA, as I have to go to another branch to be able to avail of my loyalty reward.

I registered online after my friend Dennis mentioned that Globe is already accepting pre-orders for the new iPhone 4S. I got an email of my reference number but when I called the hotline, I was informed that they couldn’t find the reference number that I have in their system so the CSR have to create a new application for me.

I was given a reference number again and I can pick up my phone on December 27, 2 PM at GLOBE SM MANILA branch. I called the hotline before I went to SM MANILA and they confirmed that my unit is ready for pickup. I was in SM MANILA at 2 PM wit my daughter to pick up my phone but lo and behold, they told me that my unit is still not available. They have a pending delivery for that day but they can’t guarantee that it is for me. The delivery can arrive anytime until 9 PM so I decided not to waste my time and just come back the next day.

I was only able to come back on December 30 and unfortunately; I was attended by a CSR who does not know how to be polite with their clients and how to attend to their customer’s needs. She kept on saying “Ewan ko po Ma’am” (I don’t know) or “Kayo po bahala” (It’s up to you) every time I ask her a question instead of giving me options on how to follow up my request. I was so pissed that I have to talk to her supervisor to report the incident.

I got a call on January 2 from GLOBE SM MANILA after hundreds of follow up calls that I made using their hotline as nobody is answering the calls on the number that they gave to me for follow up. I missed the one call that they attempted to contact me and when I tried calling back, as always, they are either dropping my call or ignoring it.

I got fed up with GLOBE SM MANILA that I decided to ask the help of my sister as she has a friend who works with Globe. I lost hope also as my sister, my friend and my cousin was able to get their unit from other branch as scheduled so I can’t help but assume that it is GLOBE SM MANILA branch that has a problem.

Thanks to my sister’s friend, I was able to avail of the loyalty reward that I know I deserve. On January 8, 2012, I was finally able to meet Siri.

Hubby’s plan will be expiring soon and he can avail too of another iPhone. Now I will have to remember not to transact again with GLOBE SM MANILA.

DiscontinuedBeautySupply.com Review

2012-01-04T08:53:00.001+08:00

Have you ever experienced finding what seems to be the perfect beauty product for you only to find out that the manufacturer has stopped making it already? Fear not, you can still buy discontinued products from DiscontinuedBeautySupply.com. But these are not the only products being offered by this site because you can also find a wide range of beauty products such as hair spray, nail polish, anti-aging cream, cologne, body wash, makeup, lotion, and many more.

The initial impression you get upon visiting the home page of DiscontinuedBeautySupply.com is akin to that of a beauty salon. An image of three girls with different looks is what dominates the area above the fold. Scrolling further down will give you a view of the site’s currently featured products. Online shopping is made convenient because you can browse through the products according to brands or according to product categories. The lower portion of the left sidebar also showcases some of the items on sale so that you are immediately informed of the sale.

The product pages of DiscontinuedBeautySupply.com will leave no doubt in your mind whether the product is the one you are looking for. Each product page is often accompanied by a big image and a short product description. If you still cannot find what you are looking for, the search box on the upper right portion of every page might help you.

Whether you are looking for some discontinued beauty products or on the lookout for new ones, a visit to DiscontinuedBeautySupply.com will not end without you finding a product that can be a staple in your bathroom counter.

Prediction Markets for Sweet Royals

2012-01-02T10:03:00.002+08:00

2011 was a good year for my family. We ere able to purchase the house of our dreams, was able to travel with my family and my mom, my husband and I were both doing great at work and I even have sideline jobs that help in the financial need of my family.

Another great accomplishment that we have for 2011 was the startup of yet another business venture with my sister-in-law, my sister and my cousin, Sweet Royals.

My sister-in-law created a candy/dessert table for my niece’s birthday and we figured that this would be a good business. We started only last September and we received several bookings already. Just look at some of the parties where Sweet Royals was a part of:

For this year, we want to launch the business full blast and so we are thinking of strategies to be ahead with our competitors as we noticed that suppliers offering this same service are starting to come out.

We have been doing some reading and we have discovered Inforsurv, the leading company when it comes to online market research.

They can help us conduct prediction markets as well as customer satisfaction survey so we can better understand our target market and create products and services that will address those needs.

We are all excited for Sweet Royals for this new year. Aside from the monetary benefit that we are getting from this business, we were able to do something that we as a family enjoy.

Saving Your Lifestyle

2011-12-30T09:11:00.003+08:00

Our current lifestyle can be extremely demanding. Society expects us to follow a certain look, a certain style, and a certain level of living which can be very difficult to meet. As we balance all these pressures, we realize that money is the underlying foundation which helps keep all these day-to-day demands in place, and essentially allow our lifestyle expectations to continue at our desired level. But reality has a way of interrupting our best laid plans, and there are times when factors outside our control rob us of that foundation and leave us wondering what to do next.

Financial Options

In the event that money becomes an issue, and you are forced to make serious decisions, know more about your options on how to solve your problems, or at least spare enough time to plan your course of action to resolve the issue pressuring your lifestyle.

Credit Cards

Image via Wikipedia

When people need money, the first thing they usually rely on is a credit card. This may be an acceptable solution if you have low interest rates and if your credit card company offers free checks which allow you to essentially transfer money from the card to your account. This could solve an immediate cash flow issue and allow you to get back on track if no other solutions are available.

Bank Loans

Another option is to ask a bank for a loan. Many offer signature loans that don’t require collateral. Depending upon the amount you need, the interest rate, and the repayment schedule they offer, this too may help you make it until the stressors depleting your funds are finally gone.

Family Members

Family members are often a solution we overlook because we detest the idea of hoisting our problems upon those we love. It will depend upon how serious you see your crisis if you want to go this route, but in many cases this could alleviate problems and leave you with a loan that doesn’t demand interest. Or, you may even be given the money you need if your family wants to help you without the stress caused by worrying about payments.

Image by jferzoco via Flickr

Cash Advance Lenders

Cash advance lenders can offer relief from financial emergencies, particularly if viewed as a temporary remedy. Many offer their loans at exorbitant interest rates, although some offers are more reasonable than others. This option is best taken when you expect to repay almost immediately and the assistance is needed in order to avoid an even worse possible penalty.

Birthday Wish List

2011-12-30T09:07:00.001+08:00

Yay, it is just 2 days away before we bid goodbye to 2011 and it means that it is just 2 days away from my birthday month.

Even if I will be another year older, I am excited still as it means that God has given me another year to fulfill my dreams and enjoy my time with my family and kids.

I am also hoping that I will be able to purchase something as my Christmas and birthday present for myself. Here are some items on my wish list:

1. memory foam toppers so I can sleep soundly and comfortably at night
2. School of satchel 13” lavender bag
3. Instax – I saw my friend Peachy’s Instax and I discovered how cool this gadget is. This specially suits me as I can take pictures of my kids and have it instantly developed. But my husband is discouraging me as he said that I will lose interest with it if I ran out of film which is what happened with my Holga. LOL (my husband knows me so well)
4. Any Anthology shoes
5. Spa and massage
6. Quick getaway in any city or Tagaytay hotel

For My 2012 Starbucks Planner

2011-12-30T08:55:00.003+08:00

Because of my meet up with my college friends last Tuesday, I am just 2 stickers short to complete the requirement so I can claim a Starbucks planner.

This is the second year that I participated in the sticker collection of Starbucks for a planner. I actually did not see how the 2012 planner looks like before I started collecting as hubby is the one who always buys coffee for me. I did not actually like it when I first saw it as it is smaller compared to their previous planner but since hubby started collecting stickers already, I proceeded with it.

And now that I am only 2 stickers short, I can’t wait to finally claim my 2012 Starbucks planner. I have I think until January 8 to do that and I hope by the time I completed my stickers, they still have on stock the planner design that I like (though I haven’t made up my mind yet which planner to choose as of the moment).

My Letter to Santa

2011-12-30T04:34:00.003+08:00

Dear Santa,

I am not picky when it comes to gifts. Anything will do even bunn parts or just a simple Christmas card. But of course I will be over the moon if I will get this:

Signed,

Me

==
This is the satchel bag of School of Satchel (SOS). This is the local counterpart of UK’s Cambridge which is so hard to get as I heard that there is a 3 to 6 months waiting time for the bag delivery. So when I learned about SOS and that they have the purple bag similar to Cambridge that I like, I have been thinking about ordering my satchel from them.

Of course I have to consider my limited budget so up to now, I am still in the deciding stage and I haven’t fully made up my mind yet if I will get this as my Christmas and birthday present for myself.

AVA, an exclusive member’s only online store, is actually offering a promo for SOS’s satchel bags to their members. Every purchase of an SOS satchel bags comes with a personalized luggage tag for free. This offer is valid only until tomorrow so I better make up my mind soon.

My Dilemma: Black or White

2011-12-30T04:18:00.002+08:00

I will not think twice and buy gourmet gift baskets at ProFlowers.com which I will give as a thank you present to whoever from Globe can give me my iPhone 4S, 32 GB, White.

I was scheduled to pick up my iPhone 4S unit at SM Manila last December 27 at 2 PM. I have no work that day so I just went out specifically for this purpose so you can see how frustrated I was after waiting for 30 minutes to be entertained by a Globe CSR and find out that the unit intended for me hasn’t been delivered yet to the store. I was informed that they have an incoming delivery for that day but they can’t assure if that shipment is intended for me and what time the shipment will arrive since it can be delivered anytime until 9 PM. I decided to go home and not waste any more of my time.

I tried calling them the next day but I still did not get an answer as to when I can have my unit.

Finally after calling Globe SM Manila and Globe hotline hundred times, I got a call from a certain Ethel of Globe SM Manila to inform me that deliveries have arrived at heir branch but unfortunately, it does not include the one intended for me. She is offering me an iPhone 4S black instead which I can pick up anytime.

Now I have a dilemma. Should I just grab this opportunity and opt for the black iPhone instead of my first choice or should I learn to practice my patience? What do you guys think?

A Different Kind of Shopping Experience

2011-12-30T04:05:00.001+08:00

I love shopping. I love shopping for my kids and my husband and of course I enjoy shopping for shoes and bags for myself (my closest friends can attest to that. LOL).

But if there is one shopping trip that I love the most, then it would be our trip to Puregold Grocery store two days before Christmas:

My friend and kumareng Aubrey, shared with me the project of their office which is to be able to collect 50,000 noche Buena baskets to be distributed to the victims of Typhoon Sendong. I shared it also with my friends and in an instant I received cash donations so I can buy grocery items for their Noche Buena baskets that I will deliver at my friend’s house.

So that same afternoon, my husband and I went shopping for our donation and our friend’s donation and it was a very memorable shopping experience. I was overjoyed as I shop for items which we hope will lessen the pain that the victims are feeling now especially since the tragic incident happened just a few days before Christmas.

I am thankful that my friend let me be a part of this.

Strategies to Spend Less (So You Can Save More)

2011-12-27T06:19:00.005+08:00

When the economy is sputtering along, it means you want to save more and spend less so that you are building up a nice cushion in case you lose your job or have a major emergency that requires thousands of dollars. Here are some strategies to help you spend less money.

• Only use a credit card that gives you rewards. You can decide which perk will be most beneficial for you. If you travel a lot, consider using a credit card that lets you earn airline miles or points for hotel rooms. For those who have long commutes, make those prices at the pumps a bit more bearable with a credit card that rewards you with discounts on gas. By making regular purchases on your credit card and then paying off the balance each month, you'll rack up the rewards and save money.

Image Courtesy of Flickr

• Get serious about using coupons. Thanks to the Internet, you can find coupons online for just about anything you want to buy. Going out to eat at tonight? Search online for coupons for the restaurant you're going to visit. Many restaurants give instant discounts to anyone who signs up to receive more coupons via email. Joining an online parenting site can put valuable coupons in your inbox for necessities such as diapers, wipes, and formula. Of course, don't forget to look for manufacturers' coupons on household products you buy regularly such as groceries, laundry detergent, and cleaners.

• Be a wise borrower. When there's a small emergency such as the catalytic converter goes out on your car or you need an outpatient procedure, don't pay the bills with a credit card. Unless you can pay the balance off within a month, you'll end up paying high interest rates. Instead, choose installment loans from Great Plains Lending. As you build a good reputation for paying back your loans, you get rewarded by qualifying for lower interest rates.

• Shop online auctions. Many families bulk up their wardrobes with gently used clothing from online auction sites such as eBay. Search for brand names you like in the sizes you need. Pay attention to shipping costs because they will inflate the final cost of an item. If you find a seller from whom you want to buy multiple items, you may be able to get a discount on shipping. You can save a bundle on back-to-school clothes with this strategy.

Image Courtesy of Flickr

By being intentional about using coupons, taking advantage of credit card reward programs, using installment loans from Great Plains Lending, and buying clothes from online sellers, you can make your paycheck go even further. Be sure to set aside the money you save each month rather than spending it on more stuff so that you can get closer to achieving your financial goals. What are some of the best strategies you've used to spend less money?

Gadget Shopping for Me

2011-12-21T09:27:00.002+08:00

I will finally be able to meet Siri on December 27. Thanks that Globe is using report designer from InetSoft as they were able to produce accurate report of their loyal subscribers.

They are offering the new iPhone 4S under their Loyalty Program and I can’t believe at just how much I have to shell out to get hold of the new iPhone 4S. What is even better is that I can even pay for the cash out in 12 months at 0% interest and if I have a BPI card (which I do), they can extend the payment terms to 24 months.

I initially reserved for 16 GB only as I thought that I have to pay via straight payment the cash out that I need to pay Globe to get the phone. But when I found out that I can pay in 12 months, I did not think twice and decided to upgrade to 32 GB. I actually had a hard time requesting from Globe to change my reservation as they said that the 16 GB that I reserved has already been processed and a unit has been allocated for me and there is no way for me to change it to 32 GB even if I am willing to pay the additional amount required. I talked to 3 customer service agents as I can’t believe that it is not possible to change my reservation and thankfully, the third CSR who handled my call was smart enough that she was able to figure out instantly how to handle my request.

Now I have a reservation for a 32 GB White iPhone 4S which I will be able to pick up at SM Manila on December 27 at 2 PM.

I am having sleepless nights already because of this. I am so excited to meet the famous Siri. This is my Christmas and birthday gift for myself and I know I deserve this.

Shopping Saturday

2011-12-21T09:13:00.001+08:00

Yehey, I am finally done shopping for our Christmas and New Year outfit. We did it last Saturday.

It was a very hectic day for us as we literally went around town:

• Our first stop was at the Baby Fashionistas branch in Sta Mesa to have the dress that I bought for B replaced to the next biggest size.
• Then we drive to SM Harrison Plaza to have the curtains that we bought the other day replaced also as it does not fit our curtain rods.
• Then we drive to Little Tikes showroom in Makati to pick up our gift for Jacobo that I bought from them via Deal Grocer.
• We had lunch at Conti’s in Bonifacio High Street
• Short stop at Fully Booked to purchase books for the son of my friend.
• Our last stop was in Greenhills and I am glad that I was able to buy something and for hubby so our Christmas and New Year's outfit is finally complete.
• Before going home, we of course have to dropped by at Toys R’ Us and we bought gifts for Jacobo from Santa, and gifts for my son’s friend and a small item for B.

That was how hectic our Saturday has been but I am glad I am almost at the last stretch of my Christmas shopping. Now I have to face the grueling task of wrapping the gifts.

Christmas Gift for Bela: 0

2011-12-21T05:44:00.001+08:00

We still have no gift for B for Christmas. ☹

We decided that we will give her an iPad for Christmas as she just loves watching movies in YouTube and playing games. Our initial plan was to get the new LeapPad Explorer, which according to LeapPad is their version of iPad as it is touch screen too. But the functions are so limited as it does not have wifi and you can’t load videos to it. It does have a camera but the resolution of the camera and the display is incomparable to iPad plus you can only play games downloaded from LeapPad. So for its price, I don’t think that it is worth it.

But since it is the Christmas season and the demands for iPad increased, my brother can’t get a stock from his supplier. I am already loosing hope that we will be able to buy an iPad for B so we can give it to her this Christmas. If only I can do a truck tracking of the delivery van of Apple store, I might do it out of desperation just to secure one iPad unit for B. LOL.

My brother said to wait until Thursday, as he is still not loosing hope. If not, we might just go shopping for last minute gifts for B so we have something to give her this Christmas.

The Big Move

2011-12-14T10:19:00.001+08:00

Last year my husband and I made a big decision and we finally decided to buy our own house. It was a though decision for us as I am not 100% for it as I am scared that we might have a difficult time financially if we will be paying quite a huge amount for the monthly amortization.

My husband was able to convince me as he said that it is a good investment. At least even if we are paying for higher monthly amortization than the rent that we are paying before, we know that the house belongs to us already.

So last June, we finally were able to settle everything with the bank and we were finally able to pay the house owner in full. And the big move happened last August.

It was indeed a big move, as we have to move all our stuff. We have been staying in the house that we rented for more than 5 years already so you can just imagine how much stuff we have accumulated over the years. And since we have been very busy the past months before the move, we were not even able to pack that much. That is why we have been cramming with the packing a few days before the move and I was not even able to be of much help to my husband as my son and I are both sick. Thankfully my parents, my aunt and uncle lend their help which lessened the stress that we experienced as we move.

We have learned a lot from that experience which I want to share here:
1. Get professional movers who do day labor to help you do the job. They are professionals and so they know the right process on how to have an efficient and smooth move. This is a last minute decision for us which I regret since I should have contacted them as early as possible so they might have helped us with the packing as well. Good thing I was able to find the website of hireahelper.com so I was able to contact a local movers right away. We got the full package, which includes staff that will help us with the loading and unloading of our stuff as well as the truck that we will use for the move.
2. Start packing several months in advance. Start packing one room at a time so your stuff will be organized even if they are already in boxes.
3. Prepare a packing kit. This kit includes stuff that you will be able to use the first few days in the new house like clothes, towels, toiletries, paper plates, utensils, and the like as for sure you will not be able to open the boxes right away to unpack.

Shopping for Me

2011-12-14T09:43:00.003+08:00

Every Christmas I make it a point that we, (and this includes the kids, me and my husband) have new clothes to wear for Christmas and New Year. I am done shopping for the kids but I haven’t started shopping for myself and for my husband. The only free time we have is this weekend but I dread to go to Greenhills as I know that it will be so crowded.

That is why I am thinking if I should just go ahead and order this online from Top Picks Couture:

She has a store in Greenhills that is why I wanted to go there so I can try on the clothes because I know the clothes are really cute but I am not sure if it will look good on me. LOL.

Hopefully we can wake up early on Saturday so we will be early again to beat the traffic and the crowd. If not I might just go ahead and order online and hopefully it will arrive before Christmas.

How Clothing Racks Can Make a Difference

2011-12-13T16:08:00.002+08:00

I am sure after the holiday seasons, a lot of stores will have a sale to dispose their past season stocks and make way for the new season looks.

As much as I am a sucker for sale and discounts, I am the type of shopper who is not enticed with sale especially if I have to dig through piles and piles of stock before I can find something that I can buy.

It would be nice and more organize if stores will use Retail display fixtures so the clothes will just be hanged on the metal bars of the racks so customers can easily see and choose the items on stock instead of digging one by one, from the pile of clothes on sale.

That is why it is important for stores, be it a department store, garment store, outlet store and more, to invest on good quality Clothing Racks to organize their stuff. Just by seeing how pristine and organize their store looks from outside can encourage more customers and can help generate sales.

For stores owners who want to start organizing and upgrading the look of their store, they may want to check out Classic Store Fixtures store as they sell all kinds of display fixtures, Garment Racks, Wooden Hangers and more. They even have an ongoing promo where they offer free shipping on orders $50 and up.

Preparing your Child for Connecticut Day Care

2011-12-10T03:28:00.002+08:00

Five Tips to Prepare your Child to Daycare

It is a struggle for parents every time they have to leave their kids in a Connecticut day care. As a mom myself, I know how painful it is for parents to entrust their kids to someone else’s care but they have no choice as they have to work to earn a living for their family. This situation involves a great deal of emotion for both the kid and the parent especially if the kid is still adjusting.

But leaving your child to a CT daycare should not all be drama and it will be easier on both the parents and the kids to adjust on the new setup by following some of these tips:

1. Involve your kid when choosing the daycare. Show them brochures, pictures, websites of the daycare you are considering and emphasize on things that you think they will enjoy like the educational toys available at the center, the playground, the exploration area and more. By doing this, you are making them excited, instead of scared, on going to a daycare. Bring your kid along when you schedule a visit to the center. From their reaction, you will have a gut feel or mother’s instinct if your child likes the environment or not which can help you choose the best daycare for your child.
2. Schedule a trial class for your child in the CT preschool that you are considering. Most daycare centers allow this where they will let your kid stay in the daycare for a certain number of days so you will see how your child reacts and adapts to the people, staff and environment in that daycare.
3. Take a tour of the daycare with your kid. Go around the center and point the different sections like the reading room, play room, their cubby holes, etc and share fun facts about each of the rooms to get the kid excited and familiar at the same time to help them adjust quickly.
4. Accompany your kid in the daycare at least for the first few days. Stay in the daycare with your kid for a certain number of hours so your kid will feel more comfortable to explore and interact with the other kids as he or she has a familiar person beside him as he adjust to the new environment.
5. Read books and stories about child daycare and the different fun things and activities that they do in the center to create an impression to the child that the daycare is a very fun place to be in.

For a child, any change in his or her normal routine can be quite scary. But with good planning, preparation and support from the parents, the child will soon be ready for his daycare experience.

Shopping for Insurance?

2011-12-09T09:27:00.000+08:00

Accidents on the road can happen no matter how careful a driver we are. We can’t control the weather conditions, the road conditions and the reckless drivers that can cause harm on other people and damage properties. That is why it is very important to have a car insurance if you own a car so you will have a peace of mind that you, your family and your car and your property are covered no matter what happens.

Finding the best car insurance can be a real challenge as there are a lot of insurance companies in the market with different offers. Some insurance are cheaper than the others but have minimum coverage while some insurance may be a little expensive but includes special coverage like “Act of God/Nature.” So deciding which insurance to get that will give the most benefit can really be a very hard decision to make.

Thankfully there are websites that offer Insurance Information like National Insurance Company. When browsing their site, you can view FAQs on all kinds of insurance, be it car, home, personal insurance and more which can help one decide which insurance company to get.

It is also easy to find a Cheaper Car Insurance from their site as they offer online quotes from different insurance companies so anyone can make a comparison on the price and coverage of each insurance company to aid them in their decision. National Insurance Company works very closely with the different insurance companies so they can come up with the best offer and best products.

We all can’t deny the importance of getting a car insurance but we also must admit that it can also take a big chunk of our budget. But with the help of National Insurance Company, finding the best and the most affordable car insurance is not impossible.

Melissa is my New Love

2011-12-09T09:25:00.002+08:00

Mine:

Shoe overload for me for this month and I used up all the budget that I reserved for my Christmas shopping for the shoes alone. LOL.

But I am very happy with my grabs. I used each one of them this week and it feels great to wear a new shoe for work everyday (instead of my usual two pairs of shoes that I wear to work before).

My favorite is the 3-straps Lilac (well I may be bias as purple is my favorite color) but in terms of comfort, I would go with my Black & White Joy. But my sister said that I just need to break-in my other 3 shoes and for sure in no time, they will be much comfortable to wear.

Now I am excited to use it this weekend as I can’t wait to wear it with a matching shorts (which obviously I can’t do at work).

Hubby's New Toy

2011-12-07T23:07:00.000+08:00

While I am busy shopping for shoes, my husband is busy shopping for this:

This is the HD player that he purchased online which connects to an external hard disk and that you can plug directly to the TV. It plays all video formats be it HD, blu ray, DVD, etc.

We saw this when we visited a friend on our last trip to the US and he got really interested as we have a lot of DVD and HD movies in our Hard Drive so we can just plug it to our TV and we can have a movie marathon every night.

He got really addicted with his new gadget that he sleeps late as he can’t stop watching the tons of movies that he have in his Hard Disk.

Now if only he can purchase wiring loom next so he can start organizing the cables and wires at the back of our entertainment rack, then I would be very happy as I find the clutter of wires a complete eye sore.

Dr. Seuss Cat in the Hat Party for Sweet Royals

2011-12-05T03:19:00.002+08:00

It was a very busy month for Sweet Royals, our Candy/Dessert Station business as we had another booking yesterday. It was for a Dr. Suess party held at Oceana in SM Mall of Asia.

Here is a Sneak Peek of our Setup:

We have a separate supplier for the cupcake but since my sister-in-law and her brother have interest in baking, they are now thinking of taking baking course so we can make our own pastries. Anyways, they can use the skills that they will be getting from the training to get Institution or Cafeteria Cook Jobss even if we have no booking for Sweet Royals.

It was a very good start for our business as we have more than 5 events already in just a span of two months since we launched. We will have another setup on December 18 and we are really hoping to get more bookings for us in the coming new year.

Cath Kidston

2011-12-05T03:10:00.001+08:00

My online friends have been talking about the Cath Kidston bags and I did not actually pay attention until I saw my friend Litzie’s day bag last Saturday. It is indeed very pretty in person. And you don’t have to worry about the care and maintenance of the bag as it is made from waterproof and stain proof material. I even checked the interior of the bag and it is spacious, which is my number 1 requirement for a bag as I always bring all my clutter with me. LOL.

I have been in purse shopping hiatus for 2010 as I really don’t have a budget to shop for a designer bag but Cath Kidston bags are so affordable and I can even order online. This gave me an idea on what to ask my Santa (aka hubby) for Christmas. LOL.

Just look at the designs that I am eyeing (but one Cath Kidston bag as starters will do for Christmas. LOL).

New Way to Get your Wake Up Call

2011-12-04T21:49:00.001+08:00

Waking up in the morning is one of the hardest things for me to do. That is why I rely on my alarm clock so I will be able to get up on time and not be late for work.

But wouldn’t it be nice that instead of a machine, a real human being will greet you in the morning and give you your wake up call? That way, you will be able to start your day with a smile and you will be more inspired to survive another long day.

If you are up for this, then you should definitely sign with TalkO'clock so you can make use of their social alarm service.

TalkO'clock is a voice-based social discovery site where you can sign up for an account and after signing up, members can set alarm and they will be receiving a wake-up call on the time specified in the alarm. Members can choose if they opt to receive a call from a male or female member and if no one is available, their CallO’Bot will make sure that you will still receive your wake-up call.

You can also choose members whom you can call for their alarm so this is one great way to meet new friends too. What’s nice about TalkO'clock service compared to other social networking sites is that it allows for communication through phone calls so communicating parties can feel the real emotions upon hearing voices instead of reading just text.

This service is free and is available in 125 countries so check them out now.

Careers with General Motors

2011-11-28T23:12:00.001+08:00

I am in total purse shopping diet this year. It was a little tough year for us financially as we started paying for the housing loan that we acquired and so my husband and I have to work hand in hand to make both ends meet for my family. That is why I have to make some sacrifices and one of them was my addiction for bags. But I know acquiring a house and lot is a much wiser decision and so I am not regretting any of our big decisions this year.

I was just teasing hubby that when Jacobo finally graduates from college and find one of those electric engineer careers, then maybe he can buy his mom a purse. LOL.

But seriously speaking, careers in electrical engineering are a very good choice especially if you will land a job with General Motors Company. I read that it is very fulfilling to work for them, as their employees will really learn a lot, as they manufacture nothing but the best products at great cost. As what they mentioned on their website, General Motors create incredible things so it would be a great learning experience for their employees as they use only the best manufacturing process in the electrical engineering field.

I know it is still too early to tell what career will Jacobo end up when he graduates from college but I am hoping that it will be one of the jobs being offered by General Motors.

Date with my Girl Friends: Twitterafia Christmas Party

2011-11-28T22:52:00.004+08:00

I had a super fun time with my mommy friends together with their families last Sunday as we had our 2nd Twitterafia Christmas party.

As always the party was a blast. It was only a simple party. We did not even hire a magician or other entertainment for the kids but everybody had fun. Of course there was something for everybody:

– there were games for the kids and they went crazy as all of them receives a price, win or loose They also have their exchange gift and it was an early Christmas treat for them as they receive the gifts that they really love.
- We had the white elephant game for the daddies (and for the mommies also as the mommies are still the one deciding for the daddies which gift to get. LOL)
- And of course, chika, kalakal and more chika for the mommies

This is really our much-needed break. My first Christmas party for this year and I really had fun. Till our next meet up girls!

How to Make Credit Cards Work For You

2011-11-28T21:27:00.003+08:00

Credits cards are often deemed a necessary evil. Many have walked right through the credit card trap – spending money that isn’t there, not being able to pay on time and subsequently ending with huge amounts of credit card debt.

It doesn’t need to be this way. Experts have always said the saving and spending hugely rely on one thing, and it is not on how much money you make. Discipline in saving and spending and striving to have that balance is the key. This is the same approach when it comes to managing your credit cards.

Do not spend more than what you have.

Guided with that thinking, credit cards can actually help you spend wisely and even help you save. You just need to make credit cards work for you.

1. Choose credits cards that have rewards programs, cash back or rebates and point systems that would work for you. For example, there are credit cards that offer cash rebates on all gas purchases, often starting at 5%. Other cards give mileage rewards for every dollar spent. Choose which one you would like to have. By choosing to pay with credit cards basic needs like groceries, gas and electricity bills, but still settling the charges in full every month (treating it like liquid cash), you still get rebates or even free trip!
2. You can build your credit with credit cards. Credit cards when settled in full all the time, improve your credit rating.
3. You can take advantage of 0% installment rates on loans or big purchases. This is quite dangerous, especially if you bite off more than you can chew, but with a little planning, foresight and again, discipline, these offers can work for you. You can pay your children’s tuition fees in full at the start of the school year or take an emergency loan.

Again, credit cards need not be one’s downfall. You can always make it work for you!

Ysabela is a freelance content writer who enjoys sharing her informative articles through her blog. Lately, she’s writing about kjoler til fest and other beautiful occasion dresses.

Cheerleading Apparel: Buying Guide

2011-11-26T08:02:00.000+08:00

Tips on Choosing the Right Cheerleading Outfits

Cheerleading Apparel has evolved through the years. It has transformed in beauty and functionality – the cheerleading uniforms are more vibrant, its material more resistant to tearing, flexible and durable.

Since cheerleading is considered a sport, choosing cheerleading uniforms should be more than just choosing what is eye catching and in your school colors. Cheerleading uniforms are just as important as team uniforms – because cheerleaders represent the school (or the team) as well.

Cheer uniforms should be age-appropriate, conforms to the rules of the school or the team it represents, and is appropriate to the activities of the team.

1. Set a budget for cheerleading apparel – this includes the cheerleading uniform, shoes and accessories (pom poms, bows, banner flags and glitter make-up if they want to have one).
2. Be aware of the rules and regulations for uniforms. Schools or associations have rules of conduct that one must follow. For example, schools have rules establishing minimum length for a skirt or the amount of skin you are allowed to show off in the chest/midriff areas.
3. Consider the entire team when choosing the uniform. Remember your goal is to make the whole squad look great, therefore you need to purchase something that will compliment the majority of the team. While certain styles may look great on extremely lean and tall girls, they may not look right on girls who are a little shorter or extremely muscular, and vice versa.
4. Find a great fabric for your uniforms. This is where functionality and durability come in. Consider the care that the uniform will need. While some fabrics can be thrown right into the washing machines, others may need to be dry-cleaned. Your squad will be very active so look for fabric that will give a little during stunts, and will allow the skin to breath.
5. Comfort and fit are huge factors. Cheering is a very demanding and active sport. Cheerleaders need to fill very comfortable in their uniforms because they cannot do stunts with them tugging their skirt or arranging their shirts every time. The fit must be just right – not too loose or too tight. It should move with them but let them breathe.

SM Kids Fashion Line

2011-11-25T01:03:00.003+08:00

Have you seen the latest from SM’s Fashion line? I was surprised when I saw from a friend, pictures of her kids trying on dresses from SM. I can’t believe at first that it is from SM as the dresses are all so elegant, and indeed has a fashionista sense.

Just look at some of the pieces that I really like:

Don’t you think they are all so cute? I heard that the creative head for the Fashion line of SM is a true-blue fashionista that is whey they were able come up with very cool pieces.

I am glad that SM was able to come up with these styles, which are really very affordable. Prices of Gingersnaps, Kids of Bayo and other similar branded stores are getting really expensive that is why it is nice to know that there is a store where we can get quality and affordable clothes for our kids.

I hope we will find the time this weekend to take our kids shopping for their Christmas outfit and SM will be our first stop.

For My Dad

2011-11-25T00:49:00.002+08:00

Ever since my dad retired as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), he has been really bored staying at home. He tried different ways to pass his time like he started a new business but he really has no knowledge when it comes to managing a business that is why his business always fail.

He has been really depressed lately because of this boredom as I know that he is so use to having a busy day as he works almost 24 hours a day, 7 days a week when he was still working abroad.

I like to surf online especially during those slow days and online window-shopping is my favorite activity to take away my boredom. That is why I realized that microgaming online casinos might be the solution to get my dad busy to take away his depression.

Playing with his friends and co-worker was his favorite pastime when he was still working so I am sure he will enjoy playing his favorite game online. Since he will be a new player, he will be able to get some bonuses and free play so he can get started playing and familiarize himself with how the online game work. He is not really technically savvy but I am sure he will get the hang of it in time as he can play any card game with his eyes close (yes, that is how good he is).

I hope this will really be the solution to get my dad back to his old self, which is the jolly and happy go-lucky type of man that I once knew.

Getting Ready for the Weekend Sale

2011-11-24T13:10:00.002+08:00

Are you ready for the Thanksgiving and Black Friday sale? My husband is hoping that he will be able to grab amt pumps during the sale and maybe an LCD TV for our master’s bedroom.

During last year’s Thanksgiving sale, we were able to purchase a 32” LCD TV for only $200 and we are hoping that we will get lucky again this time and find some great find.

As for me, I am only eyeing this Ralph Lauren polo for my boy:

The polos and tees that I got for him during the last sale are all small for him already and so I need to replenish his closet. The RL polos look good on him and I really love the material as it is comfy even for our tropical weather. I haven’t got the time though to go online to grab some great finds since we really had a busy weekend but I am hoping my husband and I can do some online shopping tonight.

Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends in the US.

Thanksgiving Day Sale

2011-11-23T13:03:00.002+08:00

Are you looking for the best Thanksgiving and Black Friday deal? Well you don’t need to wait until tomorrow as some stores have already started their Thanksgiving offer:

1. Magnums. If you want to shop for designer bags for yourself or as gift to your loved ones and friends then now is the perfect time to shop as Magnums is offering Free Shipping for all their items now until Thanksgiving Day. No coupon code is necessary as the shopping cart reflects the actual price and discount already.
2. Ralph Lauren. My favorite site to shop for my son’s polos and shirts is offering additional 25% off on selected items from November 22 to 28 in celebration of Thanksgiving Day. They even offer free shipping for a much bigger discount.
3. Gap. Gap is offering additional 15% off for your purchase of $75 and more from November 18 to 27. More discounts will be offered at 12:01 after Thanksgiving Day.

So what are you waiting for? Why wait until tomorrow when you can start shopping and get discounts now.

Tips on Choosing the Best House Cleaning Service

2011-11-22T12:18:00.002+08:00

Keeping all the room in your home clean and tidy is hard work. It can be more challenging if you have a day job and you have other important things to attend to like taking care of the needs of your kids and your family.

So you live a very busy and hectic life that is why you have no time left to do the cleaning of your house. If we will think about it, maintaining the cleanliness of your home is very important as dirty homes can pose as a risk to the health of those who live there, especially if there are kids who are sensitive even to dust and other allergens.

Situations such as this call for the help of House cleaning service Reston VA like Maid to Please.

Maid To Please are professional house cleaners, which you can contact so they will take care in maintaining the cleanliness of your home. You can get their service weekly, bi-weekly or even monthly so you will be sure that your house is clean all the time.

So how do you choose the best house cleaning service?
1.When hiring a professional service, it is best to get recommendations from friends who have tried their service. They have the first hand information on the performance and credibility of the company that you are considering so this will help you gauge if you will be comfortable working with them.
2.Check the track record of the company. Just like Maid to Please who is a Better Business Bureau accredited business, which means that they have the commitment to respond to complains of their clients.
3.Make a list of the things that you want the professional house cleaners to do so you can convey to them all the chores that you want to be accomplished. This will give them a clear vision of what you want to get done so they can give you a much precise and better price quote for the work that they will do for your home. This list will also ensure that they will be able to do everything as per your requirement.
4.Inquire also the cleaning products that they use and check if they are kid friendly especially if there are kids living in the house.

By following the tips mentioned above, you will surely find the best house cleaning service provider in no time.

Cufflinks: How to Wear Them Properly

2011-11-21T20:58:00.000+08:00

A Guide on How to Wear Cufflinks

Cufflinks for men are accessories that are as close to jewelry are for women. They spruce up a man’s outfit, like watches. Like jewelry, cufflinks make any outfit classic, timeless and sophisticated.

When Do You Use Cufflinks?
1. If your shirt has buttonholes on it but there are no buttons at all, it would be a great idea to wear cufflinks. Modern fashion these days have men wearing batman or skull cufflinks, making them more appealing to younger men.
2. The more traditional way to use cufflinks is when you use them at the cuffs of your shirt. These shirts are called French cuffs.

How to Wear Them Properly
One must ensure that the shirt (preferably a French cuff shirt) is neatly pressed before it is put on. When you have the shirt on, fold the cuffs of your shirt back towards you and make a neat crease, lining up the holes in the cuffs of the shirt.

To Wear T-Bar Cufflinks:
1. Rotate or flip the bar at the back of the cufflink so that it forms a straight line out from the back of the head.
2. Poke the bar of the cufflink in through the top hole in your cuff, so that the ornamental part of the head is showing.
3. Squeeze the top cuff and the bottom cuff together, and push the cufflink bar all the way through both holes in the shirt cuff.
4. Turn the bar of the cufflink so that it is laying flat against the cuff. This will hold the cufflink in place.
5. Repeat on the other sleeve.

To Wear Button Cufflinks:
If there is a smaller face on the cufflinks, place this end through the top buttonhole and all the way through both holes in the shirt cuff. If the heads are both the same size, you can place either end through the cuff hole. There will be decorative faces on both sides of each shirt cuff, linking the cuffs together.

Her Match

2011-11-18T12:19:00.000+08:00

My friend and I had a long serious talk last week and it is about our life now. While I am happily married with two kids, my friend still enjoys the life of being single. But she told me that she knows that she is not getting any younger and she knows that it is really about time to get into a serious relationship.

The problem is, she just can’t find the right guy for her yet. My friend is not picky but she believes that there should really be that spark in order for the relationship to last. So being her friend, I did some research and that is when I discovered Parship.

I know that there should be something special with Parship so I can sell it to my friend and so I really did a research about them. There are a lot of dating services that you can see online but what sets Parship apart from them is their scientific compatibility test. All Parship members must undergo a test that has been created by Professor Hugo Schmale of Hamburg University backed by 30 years of research into relationships. Parship’s team of psychologist constantly reviews and refines this test to create the perfect profile for their member so that the results of the test will aid in finding the perfect match for their members.

All information posted in Parship’s website about their members has been checked and verified also to protect all their members. Parship also offers added service aside from match making like providing dating advice, in-depth personality report and more.

I really hope that my friend will find her match soon with the help of Parship.

Loan Officer Training Online for my Aunt

2011-11-18T08:58:00.001+08:00

My aunt used to work as a finance officer for a security company. She decided to resign from work and try her luck as an entrepreneur. But because of the global economic recession, her business is not doing so well and she is now thinking of going back in the industry.

But my aunt knows that competition is hard now especially there are a lot of new graduates that are much updated about finance and mortgage than her since she has been out of the loop for years now.

Thankfully she discovered TrainingPro. TrainingPro is a NMLS-approved mortgage training provider and they are the leader when it comes to mortgage education. My aunt is planning to take loan officer training online from them so she can still manage her small business as she prepares to go back to the mortgage industry again.

What is nice about TrainingPro’s online education program is that my aunt has total control of her time so she can take the course anytime she wants and anywhere she is. She can learn at her own phase so she can concentrate on the subjects that she has little knowledge about and skip those where she has experience and background. Online training also saves her time and money as she doesn’t have to travel back and forth to training centers which will give her more time to concentrate on the course so she can finish it fast and starts applying sooner.

Once she gets a job, she can also take her annual continuing education with TrainingPro as required by Secure and Fair Enforcement (S.A.F.E.) Mortgage Licensing Act.

I wish my aunt good luck on her new adventure for her career. I know she has the knowledge and a great experience when it comes to mortgage and finance so with the help of TrainingPro, I am sure that she will land a job soon.

Webcam Light for a Successful Job Interview

2011-11-16T09:47:00.001+08:00

I have been blessed that I have discovered the power of the Internet for work. I already have a day job, but since times are though, I need to look for a sideline job that I can do after my working hours at night.

Thankfully there are a lot of sites like odesk, Elance, problogger and more which offers work-at-home jobs. This is a win-win scenario for both the employers and the employee. For the employers, this means that they can hire competent employees whichever part of the world they are located. This broadens their pool of applicants so they can have better choices when looking for an employee to work for their company. For the employee, this gives them the opportunity to apply to any positions that he or she is qualified no matter where the location of the employer is.

Applications for these kinds of jobs are done online too through Google Video Chat, email or Skype. And just like applying for a regular job, it is important to leave a lasting first impression to prospective employers even if the interview is conducted online.

I have searched for the best quality video camera with the highest mega pixels as I thought that it is the only thing that I need to improve the quality of my video interview but I was wrong. Just like in a studio when taking pictures and videos using camera, the lighting makes all the difference and I am thankful to have discovered Webcam Light.

No matter what time of day is my interview, I am confident that I have good quality videos which are already plus points for me to impress my prospective employer. And I believe that it really works as I have been accepted to numerous jobs, thanks to the Webcam Light.

My Solution: Real Hair Extensions

2011-11-16T08:42:00.000+08:00

Oh my it is just a few weeks before Christmas and I haven’t even find the time to go to a salon for my much needed hair treatment. It has been a very busy month for us. I am even not finish with my Christmas shopping yet, and then I still have to wrap our gifts which I need to do soon. Add to that the hectic schedule with my online and offline work.

But looks like I already found a solution to my hair problem with Leebeauty, a beauty supply outlet. They have been recommended by a friend because who buys black hair extensions from them and she is happy with the quality of their products.

That is why she recommends that I buy real hair extensions instead of having a hair treatment so I can achieve the look that I want for my hair in time for Christmas. Their hair extensions looks so real, no one will not even notice that I did not go to a salon to have smooth and silky locks.

Thanks to Leebeauty, I will be at my best for the get together that I will be attending this holiday season. I am so ready for the holiday season already.

On Boca Raton Estate Planning and Finding the Best Lawyers Online

2011-11-14T01:48:00.002+08:00

I was shocked when I heard from the news that the 72-day-old marriage between the famous couple, Kim and Kris has come to an end when Kim filed for a divorce. Reports said that Kris was blind sided by the divorce as he only learned about it from the news as well.

I actually don’t know anything about Kim and Kris as I don’t watch any of their shows and games but I hope that it will not be a nasty divorce. I know they have a prenuptial agreement so I am sure everything will be settled peacefully.

But for those who don’t have a pre-nuptial agreement, a Boca Raton Estate Planning can be a real pain so it is easier for both parties to get a good lawyer who can help them with this types of complicated cases.

It is very important to get an attorney that has experience with these types of cases, as estate planning can be a very complex process. To make things faster and easier, hiring a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of estate planning will simplify everything for the individual.

So how can one find a good lawyer online?

The best way to scout for a good law firm is by getting referrals from friends and even the Florida Governor, and then starts checking their websites. From the website, an individual can find information like the firms experience, the cases that they have handled, the educational background and expertise of their lawyers, their philosophy, the way they handle their clients and more which can help individuals better decide which law firm to get.

Another place to look for attorney online is by checking the website of American Bar Association. From here, you can verify if the lawyer is a real lawyer or a fake one and individuals can do background checks about the lawyers and get referrals too.

Online Attorney directory is also a great place to search where you can get telephone numbers and websites of the different law firms that you can check.

Any cases needs a good lawyer so it is really important that you spend time to do research so you will be sure that you got the best lawyer for your case.

Melissa: New Styles

2011-11-14T01:45:00.003+08:00

I am so loving this shoes from Melissa. I have been out of the loop already when it comes to topics about shopping as I have been in shopping hiatus for months now because my budget is a bit tight. But since the Christmas season is fast approaching and it is the only time of the year that I have the reason and budget to shop, I have been looking at Melissa website for some of their recent release and I just love this new Melissa Villain style.

My sister works for Melissa and I think more stocks of this will be coming this week so I hope I can visit the store soon to get me a pair.

I also love the new Melissa for kids for B so we can wear matching Melissa shoes. They have the mini Campana for kids, which I really, really love for B. Or maybe her aunt can give it to her as a gift. LOL.

Fashion During the Cold Season

2011-11-13T18:49:00.002+08:00

You will all agree with me if I will say that winter season has started already as it is starting to get really cold. That is why we need to bundle up real good every time we go out so we will not get sick.

During the cold months, we are expected to wear those thick sweaters and jackets to protect us from the cold weather. So one may think that fashion is not a common thing during the cold months.

But who says you can’t be fashionable during winter. Of course you can always wear those fashionable jackets and plus size coats from Roamans. They have a whole range of blazers and jackets to keep you warm during the cold months, while being fashionable at the same time. Some of their items are even on sale so now is the best time for you to shop to pack your closets with wardrobe that will make you look fashionable even if it is the winter season already.

So check out the site of Roamans now so you can replace those bubble jackets and knitted sweaters with those cool and sleek blazers and jackets from Roamans.

1st Christmas Party for 2011

2011-11-11T01:57:00.001+08:00

Christmas season officially starts this November for us and on November 27, we will be having our annual Twitter/Bebots Christmas party.

As always, we will be having it at Shakey’s as their party package is so affordable and their program is so flexible that they will allow us to do anything that we want for the program. We will be having it at Shakey’s El Pueblo and we already booked the place for a party from 11 AM – 1 PM.

We will have the usual exchange gifts for the kids and the ever-famous White Elephant Game. This time, there will be two versions of the game: one for the mommies and one for the daddies. For the mommies, we just have to bring any recycled gifts. Something that we received from last year that is just accumulating dusts in our closet. I am trying to think of things now in our storage that I can use for this game as the game organizer, Jacqui, made some rules and regulations for the game like food, bath products, gift certificate and personal items are not allowed. Do you think they will love stainless steel drums? Or maybe one of the coffee maker that we still have in stock. LOL.

For the daddies they have to bring something worth P500 and above. I will let hubby purchase this, as he will know more what the other daddies would like to have.

I am so excited for this party. I am sure it will be one loud and riot gathering,

Excited for March

2011-11-11T00:55:00.001+08:00

I am so excited for 2012 because one of y cousins will be tying the knot. I am not part of the entourage but of course it will not stop me to grow longer eyelashes so I can be the prettiest stage mom on that day as my two kids will be part of the entourage.

My daughter will be one of the flower girls and my youngest will be one of the bearers. It has been a while since my daughter last had a flower girl stint so I am really excited for her and I am sure she is excited too as she loves being in the spot light.

As for my youngest, this will be his first time and I can’t wait how he will behave during the march, as I know how naughty he can really be sometimes. Of course I can’t wait to see him in his barong. I am sure he will be the most handsome kid there (love your own of course).

50% Off Long Champ Bags from Cash Cash Pinoy

2011-11-11T00:47:00.003+08:00

Wow, discount shopping sites are really encompassing every market that they can conquer. And just look at the on-going promo that the discount shopping site, Cash Cash Pinoy, is offering now:

50% off for any Large Long Champ Le Pliage and it comes with free delivery also. So from the original price of P7,000, you can get the bag for only P3,500 only. Would you believe that 605 already bought this voucher? That is how many bag hags are out there. LOL.

Good thing I no longer have an addiction with Long Champ bags, as I might be one of the 605 who have availed of this promo. I am aiming for the B bag or G bag now, which I am sure I will not be able to have for the next 5 to 10 years. LOL. So instead of collecting tons of Long Champ bags, I will just save my money for something big in the future.

New Business

2011-11-09T03:06:00.001+08:00

I am so happy for my friend as she will soon open her small restaurant. This has been her long-standing dream and I am glad that finally she was able to find the courage to start fulfilling her dreams.

Almost everything is ready for the big opening and the only thing missing from her restaurant is one of those POS Systems to help her manage her business. Thankfully, she discovered POS Geeks, which can help her setup a POS System solution that is tailored fit for her business.

POS Geeks offers a lot of POS System solution, which includes inventory control, customer loyalty programs and more, which will help maximize her business’ profitability and accuracy. They even have products that will take her restaurant to the next level such as DineBlast Mobile which is a mobile POS for her customer, SoftTouch iTable which is a table side POS for her customers, SoftTouch online to provide online ordering system for her restaurant and more. What’s even great is that POS Geeks product are so affordable and does not even have a reoccurring yearly license fees.

I can’t wait to see the grand opening of my dear friend’s new restaurant.

Krill Oil, Moringa, Acai Berry, Etc: Supplements from Healthychoicenaturals

2011-11-06T09:45:00.000+08:00

I still have tons of things to finish but I have not been working since last Friday as I am not feeling well. I have been coughing like a dog and I have slight fever that I just go to bed right after dinner as I have no energy left to work during the night even if I know that I have a lot of deadlines to meet.

This got me into thinking about my health. 2011 has really not been good to me in terms of health. I have been sick often this year and these are serious illnesses as I have to take at least a week off from work as I can’t really function because of the effect of my sickness.

That is why I have been doing some research on how I can improve my health which led me to the site of healthychoicenaturals. Healthychoicenaturals is an online store which sells supplements like Krill Oil, Moringa, Acai Berry and more. They have vitamins and supplements to address health issues like How to lower cholesterol, how to deal with Hot Flashes and low thyroid and more.

I am looking at their Acai Berry supplement as I am interested on the many health benefits that this product promises. One of the benefits of Acai Berry is it helps boost immune system which I really need so I will avoid getting sick due to common colds all the time.

I live a very busy and hectic lifestyle that is why it is important that I should learn to take care of my health too and taking supplements like Acai Berry from Healthychoicenaturals is one way of achieving that.

The Story of my Aunt

2011-11-02T13:02:00.000+08:00

Today is All Soul’s Day and my family went to the cemetery yesterday to visit our dearly departed loved ones and one of them was my Aunt Vicky.

My Aunt Vicky died from cancer of the ovary a few years ago. It was a very big blow to the family especially since the cancer was discovered when it was already in its later stage. Her doctor gave her only six months to live but her doctor gave us a little bit of hope as they recommended chemotherapy, with hopes that it will kill the cancer cells and prolong her life as what we all wanted.

My aunt underwent one complete cycle of chemotherapy and she was able to live for another year. But sadly, cancer is really a traitor because after only a few months, her doctors soon found out that the cancer cells are back. They suggested another round of chemotherapy but my aunt was worried that she will spend all the money that they have left to pay for the medical bills and her chemotherapy that there will be no money left for her kids, who at that time are still both studying in High School and in college.

We told her about Clear Bankruptcy medical debt and on how they can help to file a petition to discharge my aunt’s medical debt so she should not worry about the medical bills and all she should worry about is her health and on how she can recover. This is a complicated process but their lawyers have the knowledge and experience to help those who have medical debt to file for its discharge.

Unfortunately, my aunt was not able to live to see how Clear Bankruptcy can help her as she passed away even before the start of her second round of chemotherapy. But we all know that she is in a much better place now as she is already with his Creator where there is no more pain and only love and happiness.

Fall Fashion: Look for Less

2011-11-02T11:09:00.002+08:00

Fall is slowly passing through, but it’s fashion is in full swing. Before we completely bundle up for winter, there’s still plenty of time for outside stuff like bonfires, football tailgating, and nature hikes. Since everyone has a dark pair of blue jeans, bold oranges and yellows are in this year and are sure to be a long-lasting trend. How bold you want to get is up to the fashionista in you!

Sweater - $35, Plaid Scarf - $13, Leather Bracelet - $9, Leather handbag - $36, Sunglasses - $14, Levi’s Jeans - $35, Vintage Clutch - $40

Bio: When Nate Schrader isn’t blogging about the latest handbags for Handbagheaven.com, he uses is art background to combine fashion fun with artistic taste.

Model picture from: http://blog.rockbottomt-shirts.com

The Fulfillment of her Dream with the help of Soliant

2011-10-31T10:44:00.002+08:00

My sister-in-law is a Physical Therapist graduate. She worked in United Kingdom last year but then she has to come back home when her mother got sick. Her mom passed away a few weeks after she went home and so she does not want to go back to work as she wants to stand by her father to help her and her family survive the emotional pain that this tragedy has brought to their family.

But my sister-in-law knows that she has to go back working again especially she has to provide for her needs and the needs of her father. I am happy that she was able to move on again after her mom passed away and she is starting to attend review classes again so she can take the board exams needed to be able to work in the US.

Her family has given her all the support that she needs to be able to pass the exam as we all know that it has been one of her greatest dreams, to be able to work as a physical therapist in one of the prestigious hospitals in the US.

That is why my husband and I have been helping her also to look for Jobs for physical Therapists and we got excited when we discovered Soliant.

Soliant helps physical therapists find jobs in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient care centers and long term facilities. They offer great compensation package, medical benefits and even paid travel.

We are really proud of what my sister-in-law has accomplished and we hope that with the help of Soliant, she will finally get her dream job soon.

Coach New Liquid Gloss line

2011-10-31T10:31:00.003+08:00

Aww, I am dying to have my hands on one of this:

Coach new Liquid Gloss line.

It has the look of lacquer, the feel of patent leather and the color of candy. I love the color especially this red one. Perfect for Christmas. If only my Santa can hear me, I will definitely request this from him so I can strut it with my matching red pump and red lipstick. LOL.

This cute new bag is already available from Coach online and in stores. The new Poppy Liquid Gloss Pushlock Satchel comes in silver/cherry and silver/black color and retails at $378.

The other style, new Poppy Liquid Gloss Slim Tote, comes in Silver/Magenta (one of my favorite), QB/Cobalt, Silvery/Grey, and Silver/Black and retails at $298.

So check them out now. This will be a perfect Christmas gift for your girlfriend, wife, mom, sister, etc.

On Theme Park Accidents and Personal Injury Cases

2011-10-29T08:03:00.001+08:00

I was just reviewing our pictures of our last vacation in the US and I realized that we don’t have that much picture when we went to Disneyland and Universal Studios. Well for one, it is difficult to take pictures if you have two toddlers and a senior citizen in tow during the trip. LOL. And I realized after looking at the pictures that most of the rides are under renovation.

It was summer time when we went there and it is the perfect time to do renovations repairs and check all the rides to be sure that there are no Theme Park Accidents that will happen. That is one of the things that I like best about theme parks in the US. They are well maintained and so I am confident that my kids will be safe in every ride that they try.

But of course injuries will still happen as there are still small theme parks across the country. In case you or any of your loved ones has experienced an injury due to accidents in the theme park, then the best course of action to take is contact the lawyers from David Boone and Michael Davis law firm.

They have been handling personal injury cases across Florida and Orange County for 30 years now, which gives them a solid background and experience when it comes to handling personal injury cases.

We all know that accidents will incur expensive medical bills with the hospitalization, doctor’s fee, medicine and even therapy after the accident. That is why it is but right and just to let the cause of the accident pay for whatever medical bills the victim will incur. And that is how the lawyers from David Boone and Michael Davis law firm can help.

They know how to handle the cases well in order to make the cause of the accident pay. What is best about this law firm is that they don’t ask for upfront payment and they will not charge for attorney’s fee if no recovery was made.

Accidents can bring undue stress and depression to a victim especially if he has loss his job because of the accident and he has to think of the medical bills that he has to pay. But with the help of David Boone and Michael Davis law firm, victims can have a chance to get justice.

Disappointed and Helpless

2011-10-25T21:51:00.001+08:00

Just this morning, as I go to work, I decided to change route that is a bit faster than my usual route. I woke up late that’s why I needed to be in a hurry so I can arrive in time at work.

Anyway, enough of that, as I passed by the train station, I saw a group of teenagers there who are pretty obvious that they are under the influence of alcohol and drugs. In fact, I even saw a very young one that ranges from 7 to 9 years old and I was surprised to witness him smoking.

I was suddenly disappointed again with our government because I know that they are all aware of this situation but they are not taking any actions. I believe that even with a little budget, they can send these people to rehab and perhaps undergo alcohol detox. It’s a big shame that they are focusing more with the not so important matters and they are not even considering the future of these young ages.

How I wish that I can send even just one of them to a rehab so they can get the proper care and guidance because I know, with this simple help, I can make a difference.

Girl Bonding Activities

2011-10-24T13:20:00.002+08:00

I was so happy and rejuvenated as I was able to go out with my online friends for dinner last week. It has been ages since I last went out and I realized I need to do this often. Ever since I became a mom, I always decline invitations from friends as I just want to go straight home from work so I can be with my kids.

But most moms can attest that our work as a mother is not easy. We need to juggle our time from managing the household, taking care of the kids, managing the budget and more. Add to that the stress at work if you are a working mom as well.

So once in a while, career moms, stay-at-home moms and work-at-home moms should also hang out with friends to relax and have fun. Here are some activities that girl friends (particularly mommies) can enjoy together:

1. Dinner. Mommies can go out on a dinner together to just enjoy a good meal and talk about life outside their job as a mom.
2. Movie Date. Is there a movie showing that you and your girlfriends would love to watch together and probably your husband would not enjoy if you ask them to watch it with you? Then this is the perfect opportunity to go on a movie date with your friends. Like the movie from the Twilight Series, Breaking Dawn. My mommy-friends and I are already organizing a movie date so we can all watch it together.
3. Spa Date. A great massage and a relaxing time at the spa is another fun activity that mommies can do together. Aside from bonding time with friends, the mommies can get their well-deserved massage and spa.
4. Day at the Salon. Let us admit it. Lives of mommies are very busy that they can’t even find a time to have a haircut or manicure and pedicure. So why not treat yourselves with some pampering and enjoy a day at the salon with your friends.

Mommies don’t have to spend that much when going out especially now that there are a lot of sites where you can get discount coupons and vouchers for restaurants, spas and more. As much as we want to be super Moms, mommies deserve a break too and the activities listed above are just a few ways on how mommies can have fun.

Author’s Bio: Melissa works for You Love Coupons providing content about weight watchers and ediets coupon codes and discounts. Her latest work is on how to better use weight watchers promo codes and ediet coupons.

New Business

2011-10-20T09:30:00.002+08:00

I am so happy for my aunt because she was finally able to push through with her plan to start another business. It is just actually a small snack store that she put up in front of our house where she sells snacks like sandwiches, drinks and dimsum.

They officially opened last Monday and sale was good even if it is just their first week. She might even need to buy toshiba netbooks so she can log and monitor their inventory and sales so she has total control of the money coming in and out of her business.

Her first business, which is providing supplies for a security agency is actually not doing well that is why I am happy that she was able to start a new business. I am hoping that it will continue to expand as my aunt really needs this business as this is her source of income so she can provide for her needs and my grand mother.

I am wishing her good luck and I hope that this small food cart business will flourish soon.

Free Purseket from Magnums

2011-10-16T23:58:00.002+08:00

My husband always teases me every time I asked him to carry my bag as he feels that I have the whole house with me inside my bag because it is so heavy. Yes, I do carry a lot in my bag. I have my perfume, my umbrella, my powder, comb, cell phone, notebook, bills, and more. That is why I love to use bag organizers as it keeps my clutter organized inside my bag.

And so I have always wanted to own a Purseket for use with my Long Champ bags. And so I am thinking that now is the best time to shop for my Christmas gift for my favorite aunt as Magnums is having a promo now.

They are giving away for free a Purseket for any purchase of $75 or more. You just have to use the promo code “purseket” upon checkout to get the freebie.

Promo is until midnight of October 19 and promo is not valid for clearance items or in combination with other promotion.

All Soul’s Day

2011-10-16T12:14:00.001+08:00

It is the customs of my hubby’s family to go to their hometown which is 16 hours drive from the metro every All Soul’s Day to visit and pay their respect to my mother in law who is buried there. They love to drive there even if it is a long drive so they spend one day driving to go there and another day to go back to Manila.

I don’t really approve of this plan because I find it as a waste of time to spend two days driving when they can just take a 45-minute plane ride and they can spend those 2 days on other worthwhile activities while they are at the province. I also worry a lot especially since their insurance don’t offer breakdown service so I worry for any accidents that they might encounter on the way there as that area has a high accident risk.

That is why when hubby asked me to book him a ticket so he can take a round trip airplane ride to and from Bicol, I booked it right away before he changes his mind. At least I have peace of mind that he is taking the safer way to reach his hometown and he will be gone for two days and one night only.

Gift for Hubby

2011-10-12T05:22:00.000+08:00

I have to look for titanium watches for hubby as my Christmas gift for him as the Kenneth Cole watch that I bought for him just a couple of months ago is now broken.

I bought him the Kenneth Cole watch when we went to the US last May and we went shopping in an Outlet Store. The price for the watch was such a steal and hubby really likes the style of the watch, as it is really comfy on his arm. But while he was taking care of Jacobo, the glass face of the watch hit the corner of a table and it broke.

We asked around and there is a Kenneth Cole service center in Shangri-La Mall but I am thinking that the repair would be expensive that it is not worth it to have the watch repaired.

So I guess it is a titanium watch for hubby this Christmas. I have to start checking out the site Boccia Titanium so I can order it right away.

Cosmetic Bags from Asrtcow

2011-10-12T05:16:00.003+08:00

I just finished my Christmas shopping for B and Jacobo’s teachers and aunts after I did my shopping in Artscow and I ordered this:

Artscow has an on-going promo for their cosmetic bags which is valid until today (so you can still catch this awesome deal if you want) and the bag is priced at $6 for the first 2 and $2.5 for the succeeding bags. This is such a steal as you can order any size of bag that you want and so I ordered XL Cosmetic bags which are originally priced at $13.99 I think. My original total for all 7 cosmetic bags was more than $100 but I only paid for $19 for all 7 bags.

The XL cosmetic bags are so big that it is almost the size of a Medium Long Champ Le Pliage. According to my friends, it can fit a digital camera, charger, and phone, in the bag.

If you want to avail of the promo, just use this promo code: COSBG250.

Tips for Buyers of Palladium Rings

2011-10-10T22:08:00.002+08:00

Palladium rings are also becoming popular when it comes to wedding bands. This is because they are durable, superior in quality and best of all they are affordable.

What is Palladium?

We all have heard about diamonds, gold, silver, pearls and other precious stones and metals. But not a lot of us know about palladium. This is a type of chemical element that has been categorised under transition metal in the periodic table. This is a rare metal and is quite rare.

Palladium rings are usually bright silver since the metal itself has white-silver surface. Polishing it can produce a high mirror gleam.

Why Palladium Rings

While other people go for diamonds for their wedding rings, palladium rings have a lot of pros. They are extremely durable and can resist tarnishing, heat and a lot of chemicals. Because of its strength, this is one of the most preferred metals along with the popular platinum.

Many women complain about the weight of diamond rings on their finger. The good news here is that palladium rings are lighter and weigh about a half of platinum. And because of their lightness, they are affordable. They are also hypoallergenic.

Things to Watch Out For

Though these palladium rings are affordable, they can be expensive when it comes to repairing or resizing them. Do not be shocked if you see that your ring has become dull over time even though it is quite durable. You will need to take it to a professional cleaner to make it shinier.

Some environmentalists are against palladium mining. However, there are palladium rings that are friendly to the environment.

What to Do When Shopping for Palladium Rings

You should talk to the palladium ring seller before you buy. He or she should be frank and honest with you about the grade of the jewellery. Also be sure to ask about the alloy metal type used in making the ring.

There are different kinds of palladium rings. Most people who are into jewelleries like ruthenium alloyed palladium. This is because it is a hundred per cent precious. On the other hand, copper alloyed palladium is also durable and strong but not as expensive.

Always be on the lookout for sellers who are attempting to sell rhodium plated palladium rings. Rings of this metal do not need such plating. Chances are the accessory that is being sold to you is white gold since this needs rhodium plating.

Ladies' Night: Out at the Theatre

2011-10-07T04:57:00.000+08:00

Lots of ladies enjoy a night at the movies to see the latest romantic comedy (or other type of chick flick), but when is the last time you saw a play or musical? While the big screen and surround sound at the movies can be impressive, live theatre offers a uniquely intimate entertainment experience. Why not shake up girls' night out by taking in a live show? Need some girl-powered suggestions? You've come to the right place.

If you haven't been living under a rock for the past 8 years, you may have heard of a little show called Wicked. It tells the compelling story behind the scenes of The Wizard of Oz, but more importantly, it is a tale about two girls who change each other's lives for the better, a heartwarming example of female friendship. If you're like millions of others, you've already seen Wicked, so perhaps you'd like another journey of fabulous friends. Get some tickets to Priscilla Queen of the Desert for a story about 3 drag queens who embark on a musical journey across the Australian Outback and, along the way, find friendship, love, and home. And they perform some of the greatest hits of the 70s and 80s from artists like Madonna, Donna Summer, and Cyndi Lauper. What's not to like?

The international smash hit Mamma Mia! has been delighting audiences for more than 10 years (on Broadway and on tour across the US) with its classic ABBA songs and outrageous comic plot. Mothers and daughters can appreciate the bond between mother Donna and daughter Sophie, especially in the touching scene "Slipping Through My Fingers," and the trios of female friends that are perfect examples of sisterly love. Speaking of sisters, head on down to the Broadway Theatre in Manhattan to see Sister Act, the musical based on the hit Whoopi Goldberg film. The leading lady, Dolores, runs to a convent for protection, but eventually finds a family in her fellow holy sisters.

Another musical inspired by a movie (and earlier, a book by Alice Walker), is The Color Purple. Famously championed by Oprah Winfrey, it tells the story of a black woman struggling to find her inner strength after being continually abused in a poor, Southern town. Key to her transformation is her discover of sisterly love in the saucy singer Shug Avery, who teaches her that no matter what anyone else says, she is beautiful. You can still catch this musical in a city near you as it tours the United States. If you're in the New York City area, though, check out Love, Loss and What I Wore, a hidden gem playing Off-Broadway. Featuring a rotating celebrity cast (that has included such celebrities as Rosie O'Donnell, Kristin Chenoweth, Fran Drescher, Jane Lynch, and Brooke Shields, to name just a few), it shows women telling the stories of their lives using the memories held in their clothes as inspiration. Can you think of a better show for ladies night out?

Candy Station

2011-10-07T01:22:00.003+08:00

On the birthday of my niece last Sunday, the mom with the help of his brother did something really cool and innovative, their very own candy station. Just take a look:

I was talking about it with the photographer of the event, who happens to be my friend, and we both think that this can be a good business. My cousin, who can really take any Business-to-Business Marketer Jobs would be the right PR person to market this.

Well I don’t think also that this will be a product that will be difficult to market as I haven’t seen that many supplier yet who offers this cute dessert / candy station. I for one who loves to host parties for my kids would want to have this in my party so I am sure many moms would feel the same way too.

But if we really want to push through with this business, we really have to act fast, as what my friend Aggie had mentioned before others will copy this idea.

Themed Parties

2011-10-01T03:55:00.001+08:00

I heard from a friend that they are starting to plan already for the Christmas party in their section. Every year, they have a big party where they even have a theme and almost all employees will really dress up for the party. Just like last year, they had a Masquerade Ball and everybody came in long gowns and plus size black dresses paired with a nice mask.

In the past they had Miss Universe Theme where they have to come dressed in the costume of the country that they want to represent, Career Theme where they will come dressed in the career that they want to portray, School Theme where they dressed up as students from elementary, Awards Night where they come dressed up like they were attending an awards night and more.

This year, I heard that they are voting for the following themes:

1. Black & White
2. Icons from the Past

I am sure no matter what theme they decided on, they would never run out of gimmicks that will make the party fun.

Pink for a Cause

2011-10-01T03:43:00.002+08:00

Coach will be having a Breast Cancer Campaign and for the whole month of October they will be selling the following items and 20% of the sales of each will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation:

So if you would like to go shopping but is feeling guilty to splurge, why not buy any of these cute items from Coach. This will be the best retail therapy ever as at least you are helping their cause for Breast Awareness campaign, right?

So check out Coach store online and in stores now.

Tips to Keep in Mind After Your Credit Card Application

2011-09-30T10:09:00.000+08:00

Do you use your credit card often to avail of the best credit card deals or even just for convenience of experiencing a cashless shopping? I use it every time for all my purchases be it on a local store or online. But because of the many incidents that I heard and which I experienced myself on credit card identity theft, fraud, hacking and the like, I realized that it is really important that we take note of the safety and security of our citibank credit cards and other bank’s credit cards.

Here are a few tips to help you safeguard the security of your credit card:

1. Keep your credit card in a safe place. Place it in your wallet or in your bag so it is with you all the time.
2. Keep an eye on your credit card when you use it. Make sure that you look very closely as your credit card is swiped as reports say that most credit card identify theft happens on point-of-sale transactions.
3. Make it a habit to keep your receipt for all your credit card transaction so you can compare it as your bill arrives. This way, you have a proof in case you need to file for a dispute to your credit cad company.
4. Always be careful when using your cards online. I learned this lesson the hard way as I became a victim and my credit card was used by someone to purchase something online. Every time you enter details of your credit card, check if the site has a security feature like data encryption. Check also if the site uses https as this means that they are using encryption technology to safeguard your credit card details.

If you have gone through the process of credit card application, make sure that you keep the above tips in mind so you can protect your credit card from criminals who are waiting for their next victims.

Purchasing a Family Car

2011-09-29T08:12:00.003+08:00

Purchasing a family car can be a huge undertaking, especially for moms. There are so many factors that need to be considered before even taking the first test drive. You need to take each and every family member into consideration. Because you are going to be the person driving everyone all over town, you also need to think about what you need and want from a family car. Whether you are looking to purchase something new, or venturing to used cars, here are several key points to think about before making that final decision.

Cost.

You may not want to admit it, but cost may be on the most important things you think about when it comes to family cars. Most moms don't enjoy looking at vehicles that in the end, they can't afford. The search needs to start out practically. Come up with an amount that you can put down as well as an amount that will be able to squeeze into the family budget.

Remember that for most people, used cars are more affordable. Even if you still need to take out a loan to pay for the vehicle, you miss out on the depreciation that takes place the minute you drive off the sales lot. Prices will vary from dealerships, sales lots, online companies and even private sellers. Prepare to do a little searching.

Accessibility.

You know exactly what it is like to get everyone loaded up for school. Everyone needs their own space. No one wants to be touching someone else. You need to be able to reach the car seat to get the baby strapped in and you still need room for the cooler and the stroller. When comparing family cars, don't just look at seating. Look at the space provided for each person to assist with your decision. How many people can fit comfortably? If you are having trouble picturing the space that you need, just imagine your last family road trip. Moms need to be able to find a place for everything.

Features.

Air conditioning and heating are a must. You aren't taking out the troops without the ability to heat and cool the air. That is just a recipe for disaster. You probably need power windows. You need to prevent random objects from flying out the window or papers being picked up by the wind. Think about what features would make your life easier. Would you like to have a separate climate control for the passengers in the back? Would you like to have a side door that opens automatically with the push of a button? Consider each and every option available.

Extras.

Today when you purchase a car, you may get something extra. Some dealerships offer to pay for all of the maintenance of the vehicle for the first year. Some companies offer discounted gas for the first year. You may pay less tax if you purchase a car online. Look at the extras and see which benefits will best suit your family's needs.

When it comes down to the final decision, think about what is best for you. This is going to be your vehicle for the next few years, so make the decision count!

Why people prefer gucci brands more?

2011-09-24T22:49:00.002+08:00

Gucci is a name that is represents quality and durability for many people. The handbags manufactured by Gucci are done using materials that are of the highest quality. The design of these handbags makes them more attractive. Gucci employs only the finest craftsmen to make their products. Since these products are made by the finest craftsmen they can be made only in limited quantity, which adds to their appeal. The craftsmen also tend to pay attention to the slightest detail. Another reason that makes Gucci handbags is so special.

These handbags are made waterproof, fireproof, and also they dont tear easily. Another reason why people prefer Gucci handbags is because many popular celebrities use them.

People want products that give value for money and Gucci does that. Thus many people around the world prefer to buy handbags that are made by Gucci. They are different products you get you get from . The handbags you get from dont match up to the standards set by Gucci. They make look alike, but they never will feel the same as an original Gucci handbag, nor do they last as long. Gucci products are made to last for a lifetime, non Gucci products dont.

For the above reasons many people prefer Gucci products and that is why many women dream of buying a Gucci handbag at least at some point in their life. And can you blame them?

Jackie medium shoulder bag
Jackie medium shoulder bag is made of leather. It has light gold hardware and a leather lining. The bag has an adjustable shoulder strap that is detachable. It has a piston closure. On the inside it has cell phone and pda pockets. This bag is available in 11 variations.

Stirrup medium top handle bag
Stirrup medium top handle bag is available in off-white leather. It has light gold hardware and natural cotton linen lining. The bag has a stirrup closure and a double handle that comes with a 5.1 inch drop. It also has side hook closures along with bottom feet. One the inside you can find pockets for cell phone and pda. This bag is available in 4 variations.

Gucci 1973 medium shoulder flap bag with double G detail
Gucci 1973 medium shoulder flap bag with double G detail has a light gold hardware and a leather lining. It has single adjustable shoulder strap that comes with G-shaped links as well as a 7.8 inch drop. The bag has a double G closure along with double gussests. On the inside you have an open pocket, zip pocket, and snap pockets. The zip pocket has a double G puller zip.

Author Bio:

Jey enjoys playing World of Warcraft or reading books when he's not finding new ways to do online marketing. He is also interested about handbags for women and womens clothing.

Shopping for Halloween

2011-09-20T23:41:00.001+08:00

I had been out of the loop in Twitter and in Instagram these past couple of days as I have been very busy working doubly hard to earn more so I can meet my quota for this month. So I was surprised when I saw posts of my friends as she and her husband went window-shopping for Halloween costumes.

They tried on sexy wig, scary masks and cute costumes and this made me realized that Halloween is just around the corner. This means that I better start shopping for Halloween costume soon to be sure that it will arrive on time before the Trick or Treat events that my friend and I are planning to attend with our kids.

I shopped last minute for Halloween costumes for my kids last year that there was not much choices left so I just have to settle on what is available. So this year, I have to shop early to be sure that we can bag the Best in Costume award this year. LOL.

Badly Beaten

2011-09-20T23:32:00.001+08:00

My iPhone has been badly beaten these last couple of weeks. Its first accident was when my daughter dropped it while she was playing with it. After the fall, the power and volume button are no longer working plus the slot for the earphone too. I have to send it for repair and they have to replace the flex to make it work again.

So I was checking for new iphone covers as I realized that I need something that can really protect my phone from these accidents. What I have now is the flimsy cover that I got from a local store here which I don’t think is doing a good job in protecting my phone.

And as if the beating that it received is still not enough, I dropped it again while I was carrying my youngest son and bad luck was really on my side as the LCD got damage this time. I sent it again for repair and thank goodness it got fix although I have to pay a hefty amount for it.

Any suggestions on good quality iPhone covers that can protect my phone? I don’t think I can afford to send my phone for repair again and I am afraid that the next accident may really lead to serious damage on my iPhone which is the last thing that I want to happen as I don’t have a budget for a new phone now.

Tory Burch's 797 Bag Collection

2011-09-20T23:16:00.002+08:00

I don’t know what is it with satchel bags that made me fall in love with it. Well maybe it is because it is a highly coveted bag that you have to wait in queue just to have it. And even if there are a lot of local suppliers who are selling this satchel bag, it still manages to slip my hands as I still don’t have a budget up to now to buy another purse (even if the price for the local satchel bags is kind of affordable already).

But if you are not like me and if you have a budget to splurge for another bag, then this 797 bag Collection of Tory Burch is a definite must have:

These bags are an exclusive collection and are made in honor of their new flagship boutique in 797 Madison Avenue in New York City. My favorite is this Maple Red Suede Satchel that is made from fine ultra soft suede. It comes with a gold hardware, fold over closure, interior zip and two additional open pocket, exterior zip pocket, and a removable cross body strap with 22" drop. The dimension is 13" W x 11" H x 4 1/2" D. 4" strap drop.

I think this can pass as my Alexa Mulberry if only I can afford it. This bag retails at $625 in store.

Kim & Kris

2011-09-09T02:02:00.003+08:00

I have always been fascinated by celebrity weddings. Well for one, I am intrigue to find out in the near future if their marriage will last or not or if how many years (or sometimes even months) their marriage will last. Also, since they have all the money in the world, they can afford to have the most lavish wedding so I am excited to see the details and the supplier list for this high profile weddings.

Just like the latest celebrity wedding of Kim Kardashian and NBA player Kris Humprhries. I was not able to catch it on TV so I searched for photos of the wedding and the reception ceremony to get a glimpse of what they are saying as the equivalent of the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate.

One of the reasons why I am so interested in Kim’s wedding is because I want to find out who made her dress and the lucky designer is the famous Vera Wang.

Kim wore a custom-made ivory gown, with a full tulle skirt and hand-pieced Chantilly lace appliqué on the bodice and train. She also has a headpiece adorned with diamonds, which they say, cost a fortune.

After the wedding, news circulated that Kris just found out that Kim had been married before and Kim kept this one detail from him. Now I wonder what will be the next chapter in Kim and Kris’ lives. That is why I love celebrity weddings. LOL.

All I Need is Motorcycle Battery

2011-09-01T00:39:00.000+08:00

Hubby used to own a motorcycle but he has to sell it when we decided to buy a car. But I know how much hubby would want to own a motorcycle again and so I asked for help from my brother and he was able to hook me up with a seller of 2nd hand motorcycle.

My brother checked it out and he was satisfied with the condition of the motorcycle, as it just needs replacement motorcycle battery.

My brother suggested that we buy the motorcycle batteries ourselves instead of letting the seller replace it as we will be able to save more by doing that as he knows an online battery store where we can get replacement batteries at discounted price.

I checked out Batterymart.com as recommended by my brother and they have a wide selection of replacement batteries for all motorcycle manufacturers like Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda and even the high end ones like BMW and Harley-Davidson.

I am glad that I was able to find a store where I can get the battery for the motorcycle that I was planning to buy for hubby. It is only less than 80 days left before Christmas and I am excited because now I know where to get my Christmas gift for hubby.

Our Financial State

2011-08-31T17:06:00.001+08:00

I saw this cute Volkswagen car customized with Hello Kitty sticker. It is just so cute. Well at least if I am a teenager that would really be a cool car to drive.

My husband is actually planning to buy a second hand car so we have something to use for our drive to and from work. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just a simple working car will work for us as the drive to and from his work is not that far from our house. Then maybe we can just customized it for a bit to make it a little presentable like installing volkswagen tiguan custom floor mats.

But we still have to see. I still haven’t given hubby my go signal as we are up to our neck with our bills. I can’t even find the energy to sit down and check on our bills because I know that we are really over, over our budget.

But this too shall pass. We already sealed the deal in one of the commercial space that we are renting out so hopefully it will help with our monthly expenses.

SSC Model

2011-08-29T13:34:00.003+08:00

My daughter is a model:

This is the Parent’s Approval form that I have to sign to allow my daughter to attend the photo shoot for the design of her school’s van. Of course I signed the approval form without hesitation as I am one stage mother. LOL.

I asked my daughter how did the photo shoot went and she said that there are 10 of them from different levels who joined the photo shoot. I think she is the only one chosen to represent her level so I am one proud mommy.

I have always known all along that my daughter will be for this kind of exposure as she has a happy face and she is very charming. Now if only I can buy appetite suppressants so I can lose weight, I can say that she is just like me. LOL. Kidding aside, I think B got her happy disposition in life from her dad and her charm from me as I am good in dealing with people.

I can’t wait to see my daughter’s picture be posted in her school’s official van.

All I Want For Xmas...

2011-08-29T00:02:00.001+08:00

I love looking at the album “Real People who carry SOS Satchel” from the Facebook page of SOS (School of Satchel) and this is one of my favorites:

The girl is so cute with her getup plus I love how it matches her purple SOS Satchel. I showed it to hubby and told her that this is my Christmas wish from him (now if only I can find a safe diet pills that work so I can lose those pregnancy fats and look sexy and cute like the girl in the picture, then it will really be perfect.LOL).

Hubby was glad when I told him the price for this bag. He find it very affordable that he told me to order it already. I am excited to get hold of my first satchel bag but I want to have something to open come Christmas day so I think I can still hold my desire to have this bag until December. Good things come to those who wait, right? (Who knows this bag might even come with another G bag or the C earrings that hubby knows I have been dying to own. LOL).

Magnums' Limited Edition Clearance Sale

2011-08-28T23:53:00.001+08:00

Have you been drooling for Long Champ’s Seasonal bags like the Longchamp Darshan, or Longchamp Imperial Tote and even the Longchamp Veau Foulonne Messenger Bag? Well drool no more as Magnums is giving 35% off (the biggest discount thus far that I can remember given away by Magnums) on Long Champ’s seasonal bags.

This is a limited edition clearance sale and is valid only for 48 hours (offer expires on Tuesday, August 30th). Plus they are even giving free shipping for all orders $50 and up.

This promo is not valid with any other offer and coupon codes cannot be use on clearance items.

So what are you waiting for? This is the best time to shop for your Long Champ’s seasonal bag. The clock is ticking and you only have 48 hours to shop, so stop thinking and visit Magnums site now.

Battling Morning Sickness

2011-08-26T21:28:00.003+08:00

If there is one thing that an expectant mom hates, then I think it would be morning sickness and almost 50% of pregnant women experience this. The other 50% are just plain lucky as it is difficult to deal with morning sickness,

Morning sickness usually occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy and can last up to the 5th and 6th month of pregnancy. Although they call it morning sickness, the feeling of dizziness and nausea can occur anytime during the day. To some it can even last the whole day.

Every woman’s pregnancy is unique and they should not compare their morning sickness experience as it differs from one woman to another. But it is still good to understand each of the symptoms to deal with it and treat it in order to have a much smoother pregnancy minus (or at least with lesser) morning sickness.

Vomiting and Nausea. This is the most common symptom of morning sickness. Scientist believes that this is the body’s way of expelling toxins that has been indigested by the mother and may be harmful to the baby.

Another reason why a pregnant woman may constantly vomit is because of indigestion problems. Since a pregnant woman can easily give in to their food cravings, their body may have a hard time digesting those foods which can lead to indigestion.

Pregnant woman also have a strong sense of smell so any small amount of unpleasant odor can easily upset their stomach.

And although the phase of morning sickness may pass, it can be a very difficult situation to deal with especially since it can last for months. Some women may even require medication or hospitalization to make sure that the mother and the baby is properly nourished as the mom deals with morning sickness.

Aside from medication and hospitalization, there are a few remedies that a pregnant woman can try to treat morning sickness and to deal with it with ease. Here are a few suggestions:

Remedies for Morning Sickness

1. Eat small frequent meals. Instead of the regular three meals a day, cut your regular meal in half and eat 6 times a day instead with foods that are rich in carbohydrates.
2. Ginger. Ginger is a very popular natural remedy to treat motion and morning sickness. You can try ginger candy or ginger tea, which relaxes the stomach to get rid of feeling of nausea fast.
3. Salty Biscuits and Crackers. Try eating salty biscuits and crackers in between meals as this absorb stomach acids, which contributes to nausea.
4. Stay away from strong odors. Pregnant women develop a strong sense of smell so stay away from any strong and unpleasant odor that can upset your stomach.
5. Eat healthy food. Avoid fatty and spicy food as this can contribute to nausea.
6. Change your sleeping routine and position. Try sleeping with one pillow under your head and legs to alleviate the feeling of dizziness. They also say that eating before getting out of bed in the morning can also prevent the feeling of nausea.
7. Use of Motion or Morning Sickness Band. Some recommend using this morning sickness band as it is effective and is safe, as it does not contain any harmful chemical that may be bad for the mommy and the baby. What the band does is it uses acupressure to control nausea and vomiting.

Morning Sickness is really something that is difficult to bear during the first part of pregnancy. These remedies can help prevent morning sickness but what is important is that a pregnant woman should try to practice a healthy living and this includes eating a balance diet, exercise, and living a stress free life.

Preparing my Personal Checks for my Next Shopping Adventure

2011-08-25T00:02:00.001+08:00

I miss shopping. I haven't shop much lately even for the kids as I am really on a tight budget now since work is really slow. Add to that the fact that hubby and I are saving for more important things, which is for the monthly amortization of our dream house. I can't even afford to shop as my retail therapy.

But at least I have a shopping adventure to look forward to which is to shop for furniture and appliances for our new home. We also have to hire contractors to do some minor repair and renovation for the house plus I am also looking forward to planning for the house blessing.

Since I still don't have a budget right now to shop for the above mentioned items, I just started to order personal checks from Carousel Checks so our checks will be ready once we will need to pay for the different contractors and suppliers for our new home.

What I like about the personal checks that I got from Carousel Checks is that I can customize the look of my check with licensed characters, panoramic images, and more. They even do photo checks and we can use any of our pictures as background for our check.

I am feeling so excited already. At least, even if I can't shop for bags and shoes, I will still be shopping as we purchase new appliances and furniture for our dream home. Now this kind of retail therapy will absolutely work for me.

Kim's Big Day

2011-08-24T23:46:00.001+08:00

They dubbed it as the “American Royal Wedding” as it is like Kate and Prince William's fairy tale wedding as it is like a royal wedding because of its grandness and lavishness.

Kim and Kris tied the knot in a private home in Montecito, California witnessed by 450 guests among them includes Ryan Seacrest, Lindsay Lohan, Eva Longoria, Avril Lavigne and more.

Kim wore a Vera Wang gown with her $10 million Lorraine Schwartz diamond headpiece. The theme of the wedding is old Hollywood where they use black and white as the color motif for the wedding.

Kim and Kris’s wedding really created a buzz in Hollywood and to celebrate Kim’s Big Day, Magnums is having a promo. If you spend $75 or more on any Belle Noel product, you will receive free earrings. To avail, just use the promo code KIMK. This promo is valid until midnight of August 28 and is for new orders only.

Again to Kris & Kim, congratulations and may your marriage last till forever.

Want to Try Botox Maryland?

2011-08-22T08:46:00.001+08:00

I am now 33 years old and I can't believe that time really flies fast. My age can no longer be found in the calendar. I am really ageing fast. LOL.

But I heard from a friend that there are various centers out there that can help me still achieve a youthful look and that is by visiting Cultura Med and try one of their services, which is the Botox Maryland. Botox can help decrease wrinkles on face and neck so it will definitely give me a much younger look.

Cultura Med has been in service for seven years now and they offer services such as Laser Hair Removal, Skin Tightening, Acne Treatments, Complexion Blending, remove unwanted veins, scar and stretch marks, skin rejuvenation and Reveal Medspa. They combine techniques and expertise from the dermatology, laser surgery, and spa therapy field using only top of the line equipment ensuring that their clients will only get the best service. Their center has 30 lasers so they are the largest laser centers in the United States.

Wanting to look young is not vanity especially if it will bring confidence to the person. So if you want to look good and feel good about yourself, check out Cultura Med now.

New Business

2011-08-21T20:53:00.000+08:00

My husband and I have been thinking of what to do with the vacant commercial space at the ground floor of our newly acquired property. Hubby was suggesting that we convert it to a small restaurant but I am scared that we might fail.

But one thing that is convincing me to say Yes to hubby’s proposal is after reading POS Geeks POS Systems. POS Geeks can provide the equipment and software that we will need for our restaurant business and it will surely help increase profitability for our restaurant since their equipment and software will ensure accuracy. Their POS Systems is also so very easy to use as we just need to be plug it and we will be ready to process payments. What’s best about their product also is that they provide 24/7 live support, which is important for a first time businessman like us, and there is no recurring yearly access fee, which can give us big savings, which can translate to more profit.

I am really feeling this business that hubby is thinking and I know that with the help of POS Geeks, there is a big chance that we will succeed.

Louis Vuitton’s 2011 Pre-Fall Collection

2011-08-21T20:43:00.003+08:00

After Toms, let me present here Louis Vuitton’s 2011 Pre-Fall Collection.

They coined it as the Shade of Elegance. Well as for me, any material and shade of this iconic designer bag shouts elegance. No wonder I only have two of this bag, as I can’t afford them anymore. LOL.

The center of attraction for this collection is the Monogram Blocks Zipped Tote. What makes it different from the other Louis Vuitton bag is that this bag uses Monogram pattern spread in three different material: Monogram canvas, embossed heavy-grained calf leather, embossed smooth goat leather.

This bag offers multiple carry options and it comes with a historical luggage tag. The embossed smooth goat leather comes in two colors, Marine and the color that I like Bordeaux.

But if I will be asked what will be my next Louis Vuitton bag, this will be my choice:

The Artsy MM. I love the effect of the material and the artsy design of this bag. Now all I need is a budget for another bag, which I think, will not come soon. LOL.

For Womens Fitness and More

2011-08-20T01:06:00.002+08:00

I am so dependent on the Internet. I am online 24x7 as I always use the Internet to search for everything that I need. That is why it is no surprise that I still depended on the Internet to get pregnancy advice when I was pregnant with my two kids.

Who wouldn't love this setup when I can get all the information that I need about womens health all with just one click on the keyboard. Thanks to the site of Women's Health.

Women's Health is an online resource to get information, tips and advice about pregnancy, parenting, womens fitness, healthy living, health conditions and treatment and a whole lot more.

My favorite from this site is their blog as this is where I can read real life stories shared by women where I can pick up great advice and inspiration as the solutions and tips that they shared in this blog came from their own real life experience. I also like the "Ask the Expert" page, as I don't even have to leave the comforts of my own home to ask expert advice for free.

Women's Health is actually not just for pregnant moms because it is still my favorite site up to now even after I give birth because they have a lot of information about the overall wellness and health of a woman.

NOBODY but Us and HIM

2011-08-18T05:49:00.000+08:00

I better start searching on where I can buy padron cigars as a reward to hubby as he has been working really hard lately to earn additional money so he can pay for the monthly amortization of our house.

When we were deciding if we should get the house or not, I promised him that I will help him with the amortization. Unfortunately, things have been a little slow with my sideline work that I am not earning as much as I used to and as much as I projected that I can’t meet my monthly quota. I only earn the money that I need to pay for the necessary expenses like our credit card bills, salary of our nanny, tuition fee for my daughter’s Kumon class and the like which left no money for the share that I have to give to hubby for the monthly amortization.

Thankfully, God is so good to us that hubby always gets a chance to earn extra with his remote trip and overtime work so even though NOBODY else is helping us with the expenses at home and our monthly amortization, he was still able to make both ends meet. Things will be a little thought this month as he has no overtime work so we are really hoping that we can seal the deal for the two commercial space that we are renting out so we can use the down payment to pay for this month’s amortization.

But I know there is no need for us to worry because we know that as long as we are working hard, God will provide.

Toms Fall 2011 Collection

2011-08-18T05:38:00.003+08:00

I bought my first pair of Toms a few months ago and I just love it. It is so comfy and it is really a good shoe if you will give your feet a lot of beating. I used it when we had our trip to the US and I must say that it really helps relieved my feet from the whole day of walking and running around. And if only I have a budget, I will definitely get more.

Take a look at Toms’ Fall 2011 Collection:

And for a limited time, they are selling the new Limited Edition Carpe Diem Women's Classics with the motto of TOMS Founder and Chief Shoe Giver, Blake Mycoskie: Seize the Day as the feature of the shoe.

When you buy this limited edition style, it will come with a complimentary copy of the new book of TOMS Founder & Chief Shoe Giver, Blake Mycoskie Start Something That Matters. This book will help you get started with whatever you are looking to start, be it a business, nonprofit, or just make a big change in your life.

So check out Toms store and online now.

Justice

2011-08-17T10:03:00.001+08:00

Are you a Type 2 diabetes patient? Have you heard of the oral medicine for diabetes called Actos, ActoplusMet, Competact and Duetact? Actos is a diabetes medicine that has been pulled out from the market in France and Germany because it has been proven to cause heart attacks and heart failures. It is also link to increasing the risk of acquiring bladder cancer so it is definitely not a safe medicine to take for diabetes.

If you have taken this medicine, then you can definitely file an Actos lawsuit with the help of competent lawyers from O’Hanlon, McCollum & Demerath law firm. They know how to deal with product liability claims so diabetic patients who are worried now of the bad side effects that this medicine has caused them will have a big chance of filing a claim that is right for them.

So stop being a victim and contact O’Hanlon, McCollum & Demerath law firm now to get justice.

Boat Ladders & Other Marine Products from UMT: For the Safety of our Cruise

2011-08-11T13:06:00.002+08:00

Thanks to discount shopping sites, I was able to buy tickets for buffet dinner cruise for two on board Prestige Cruises. I got the deal at 50% off so I am really happy as this is the first time that we will try a cruise dinner. I can already imagine the sunset on board the yacht as we enjoy sumptuous meals of internationally-inspired and authentic dishes. This will not just be a treat to our eyes as we enjoy the view of the bay during sunset, but our stomachs will be contented too as we feast on the buffet dinner that will be serve during the cruise.

I told my friends about this deal and they availed of the promo also. They have kids too like me and I was surprised when they told me that they are bringing their kids along. I was hesitant at first to bring my two kids on board this cruise as I am scared that it may not be safe for kids but I did some research and I was happy to find out that we are in safe hands as the yacht that we will be riding uses only high quality marine technology products manufactured by UMT.

UMT is the leading manufacturer of interior and exterior metalwork solutions for the marine industry. They produce products such as boat ladders, yacht cranes, cradles, lifting systems, railings, anchor pockets, tie downs, stairs, ladders and more and they use noting but the best manufacturing and fabrication process which makes their product the best there is in the marine industry. I read books about boats and I learned that these products are important for the safety of the people on board.

After learning about this, all my fears are gone and so I decided to get an extra voucher so we can bring our two kids along this dinner cruise. I am sure with my friends and their family coming too, it will surely be one fun and memorable experience.

Turning His Collection to Cash Through Military Auction

2011-08-11T00:16:00.000+08:00

My husband is a collector of all sorts of things - from coins, to stamps, to DVDs, toys and I must say even properties too. My husband said that those are investments as we can easily sell it (and maybe at a much higher price as some items tends to appreciate their value over time) through the help of military auction, AffiliatedAuctions.com.

AffiliatedAuctions.com is more than just a site that offers military surplus auctions. They are an authorized auction organizer, reseller and buyer and their expertise is not only limited to military surplus rifles for sale but they can also help individuals who want to sell jewelries, antique items and even real estate properties.

They accept consignment so those who want to sell their stuff can send their items to AffiliatedAuctions.com and will be included in their upcoming auctions. Since they have a wide buyer's base, there is a great possibility that items brought to them get sold fast and they can give the payment from sales in less than 30 days. The best advantage in getting them is that owners will never go wrong with the pricing, as their expert appraiser will know how to properly price the items.

At least now I know that hubby's collection will be something that we can put to use and convert to cash if the need arises.

Free Longchamp Pouchette

2011-08-11T00:00:00.002+08:00

Magnums never fails to tease me with their hard to resist promos. Just a few week ago, they offered up to 25% discount as their mid year sale for their Long Champ bags. I was close to giving in and spending again for another purse but thankfully I was able to prove that I still have EQ as I just let the promo passed without ordering anything for myself. LOL.

And now this week, they are offering another great promo again.

They are giving away a cosmetic case, a Longchamp Pouchette for every purchase of Long Champ bags worth $100 or more. This promo is valid for new orders only and is not being offered for items in Clearance. This Longchamp Pouchette is valued at $52 so you are actually getting a bigger discount than the 25% discount that they offered last time.

This promo is valid until midnight of August 15 only. To avail of this promo, just use this promo code upon checkout: “FREECASE.”

Party

2011-08-09T00:36:00.001+08:00

August 31st is the birthday of my favorite aunt. This is perfect as we will probably be able to move to our new house by August 29 and since August 30 is a holiday, my dad and my husband will be able to fix the house a bit so it will be ready for the first party that we will host in our house which is the birthday of my Tita Jie.

I am so excited since this is the first time that we will host a party in the house. Plus the house now is bigger so it will surely accommodate my whole clan. We also have a roof deck so we can have a barbeque party there. All we need is some outdoor furniture and outdoor fire pit and the party will all be set.

We are planning to buy furniture by second or third week of the month so it can be delivered in time on or after August 29. We will also schedule the cleaning and the termite treatment of the house this week and next week so hopefully things will all be ready before our scheduled move.

So it’s party time!!!

No Coverage Yet

2011-08-09T00:27:00.000+08:00

I am currently checking out www.wholesaleinsurance.net as I need to find insurance because we still don’t have coverage for the housing loan that we just acquired.

I got a call from our bank agent and I was informed that I still need to undergo a medical checkup before the insurance can give us coverage. I have no problem undergoing a medical exam but I don’t have time to spare for a medical exam that for sure will take one whole day to finish. I have no more vacation leaves left and during weekends, I have to bring our daughter to her class so I am not sure when I can find the time for a medical exam to comply with the requirement of the insurance company.

Hopefully I will find another option or another insurance company so we can finally get coverage even if I don’t have to go through a medial exam.

LC Le Pliage Choco Brown: Sold

2011-08-09T00:12:00.001+08:00

Last week was a lucky week for me as I was able to sell the Long Champ bag that has been up for sale for months now.

This is the Long Champ Le Pliage chocolate brown that I was selling a few months ago with my Lavander LM but I only got one inquiry from it and I never heard back from her so I did not pursue and exert extra effort to find a buyer for this bag.

But I received a good offer for it last week from my good friend Peachy so I did not think twice and I immediately agreed to her offer.

I decided to sell this bag since I rarely use it because I don’t like its size. It is in between small and medium with short handle so I find it very inconvenient to carry since I always carry tons of things in my bag so it is too heavy for my arm to carry with its short handle.

That is one thing that I like about designer bags: it is very easy to dispose and convert to cash. LOL.

Good Bye. I will Miss You

2011-08-08T23:13:00.002+08:00

It was a very sad week for me because I let go of a precious thing. Her:

My Gucci Silver tote. She is my first Gucci and so she holds a very dear place to my heart. It would have been easier if I am selling it to upgrade to a new bag or buy gold chains and other jewelries but I am selling it for a different purpose.

You see, I am having problems with one of our tenants who haven’t been paying their rent for three months now and I have been using that money to pay for our car loan. Since our savings account is down to the last centavo already because of the property that we recently purchased and our car loan is due this week, my last resort was to sell something to make money and the most easiest and fastest thing to sell to my group of friends are bags so that is what I did. The sale was so fast that it was only a matter of minutes when it got sold.

Well actually, my friend has long been eyeing for that bag and I was chatting with her that night about the other Gucci tote that my friend is selling and she made an outright offer in cash for my Silver bag and for someone who really needs cash, I was not able to say no.

So there goes my first Gucci. I was really in tears when I was putting the bag in its dust bag so I can give it to my friend the next day. But I believe, just like what my friend Peachy mentioned, that more good things (aka good bags) would come my way someday to replace this beauty that I lost. LOL

Photo Booth Rental: Add Fun & Life to a Party

2011-08-06T00:47:00.001+08:00

Every celebration is special because it is a special moment in a person’s lives. Be it a birthday, a wedding, a baptism, a company launching, each of this events want to create a lasting memory to the guest and the celebrant so that this special day will be forever remembered.

In any party, one way to create lasting memories of a fun filled party is by renting a photo booth.

I have been looking at different wedding ideas and photo booths have been growing in popularity. Almost every wedding or event that I have attended to have photo booths and no matter how many times guests attended a party with a photo booth, they seem not to get tired of it as they are all still eager to line up and wait for their turn to have their pictures taken.

So why get a photo booth rental?

Because a number of companies have been offering this service, renting a photo booth is getting more affordable that it is why it is the most popular alternative to add life and entertainment to any party.

Since it is fun and informal, it is also a great way to capture candid moments as guests have their picture taken behind the plexiglass wall of the pod so they can be whatever they want to be. They can use the props provided, act goofy and do whatever they like that may reveal the fun side of any person.

Since events are also like a reunion of families, photo booths is a great tool to have pictures taken with your close friends and relatives whom you haven’t seen in a long while and might not be able to see again after this important event.

And more so, pictures printed can be instant souvenirs to the guest. Photo booth companies like CapturePod offer different layouts for the printed pictures like multiple pictures per strip, customized backdrop with dates of the event and more so it is a great souvenir of the event that the guest can take home with them.

So if you want to add fun to your party, why not rent a photo booth.

Texture: Coach Fall Collection

2011-08-04T00:40:00.001+08:00

What’s new for Fall from Coach?

If you love their Madison collection, then you will love it even more as they put Texture to your favorite Madison:

As their tag line says: “Looks Luxe. Feel Fantastic.”

For their fall collection, they included the Madison Embossed Python, the Madison Woven Leather, and the Madison Ocelot Op Art.

I have always love their Madison collection and if only I have the budget, it will be one of the bags on my wish list for Coach (especially the Madison Patent Marielle cross body bag which is one of my favorite styles now). If only I did not recently purchase two bags from Coach when we last went to the US, I might be tempted to order this new style. LOL. The texture made all the difference, as it is something new from their traditional styles.

So what are you waiting for? Checkout Coach store now for their latest Fall Collection.